Traders of Bangladesh and Pakistan have called for the removal of customs and non-customs barriers between the two countries to enhance trade between the two countries.

They made the call at a meeting held between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and a business delegation from Pakistan in Gulshan on Wednesday.

Bangladeshi traders said they see great potential in importing dates, oranges and other fruits and agricultural products from Pakistan to meet the demand throughout the year including during holy Ramadan.

They also think that there is a potential for exporting various Bangladeshi products to Pakistan.

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The meeting was presided over by FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman.

In his welcome address, he said that there is a huge demand for dates in Bangladesh during the month of Ramadan.

The demand for other fruits also increases during this time and there is huge demand for fruits in the local market throughout the year, he said.

“Pakistan can be an affordable and easily available source of fruits and agricultural products for Bangladesh,” said the FBCCI Administrator.”

Stressing on the growth of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Md. Hafizur Rahman said there is an opportunity to expand trade between the two countries through joint initiatives and mutual cooperation in the private sector.

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He also emphasised the importance of signing a Bangladesh-Pakistan trade agreement.

Businessmen from both countries emphasised the development of logistics, supply chain, cold storage, packaging and goods transportation systems to facilitate and expand trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan.