The docking of the ship garnered attention after Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maroof, called it “a major step” towards enhancing regional trade. Maroof emphasized the potential for new business opportunities on both sides in a social media post.
Chittagong port authorities noted that the shipment included goods from Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, such as essential foodstuffs and raw materials crucial for Bangladesh’s garment industry. In September, Bangladesh relaxed import regulations on Pakistani goods, previously requiring mandatory physical inspections upon arrival, which often led to delays.
In the past, Pakistani shipments were typically offloaded at intermediary ports in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, or Singapore before being transported to Bangladesh. The arrival of the first direct cargo ship in decades marks a step towards improving bilateral ties after years of strained relations between the two countries, which separated in 1971.
While Bangladesh and Pakistan have experienced a complex history, marked by a brutal war and subsequent shifts in alliances, the direct shipping link signifies renewed efforts to boost connectivity and economic collaboration.
