Pakistan Invites Bangladesh to Use Karachi Port in Move to Deepen Trade Links
In a key development aimed at revitalising regional trade and connectivity, Karachi Port in Pakistan has been offered as a gateway for Bangladesh’s exports and trade with China, the Gulf and Central Asian markets.
The proposal was unveiled during the 9th meeting of the Pakistan‑Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held in Dhaka after a hiatus of nearly two decades. Under the agreement, Pakistan will facilitate Bangladesh’s use of its port infrastructure to open up alternative maritime trade routes, expand shipping cooperation, and potentially ease access to new markets.
Key elements of the agreement
Bangladesh will be able to utilise Karachi Port as a logistical gateway for its exports, including jute and manufactured goods, and for entering markets in China, the Gulf and Central Asia.
Both countries agreed to enhance collaboration between their national shipping corporations, paving the way for regular maritime links.
The JEC also covered broad cooperation in trade, investment, industry, energy, technology, and education, including provisions for student scholarships and increased training under the Pakistani Technical Assistance Programme.
Direct air connectivity and enhanced people-to-people ties were also part of the joint agenda, signalling a broader push beyond just goods movement.
Why this matters
For Pakistan, offering Bangladesh access to Karachi Port allows Islamabad to position itself as a regional trade hub and deepen its economic ties with Dhaka, at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its trade routes.
For Bangladesh, the arrangement presents an alternative maritime route outside its traditional dependencies, which could help reduce bottlenecks and vulnerabilities in its exports, especially as some land-based routes and trade links with neighbouring countries face uncertainty.
Challenges ahead
Despite the potential, analysts point out that logistical and cost-efficiency hurdles remain. For example, shipping via Karachi implies longer sea routes and time compared to some land or closer coast links.
Both sides will need to flesh out infrastructure readiness, transit agreements, shipping schedules, customs coordination and cost sharing to turn the vision into operational reality.
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Outlook
The bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh appear to be warming after years of low economic engagement. The port offer signals a tangible outcome of that thaw. If successfully implemented, the link could reshape trade flows in South Asia and provide Bangladesh with increased market access, while giving Pakistan an expanded role in regional logistics and trade corridors.
