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#Promoting #PakistanBangladesh #trade #Political #Economy
Akistan and Bangladesh, which are two of South Asia’s two major economies, shares a long and complex history. Political differences often shadow economic capabilities. However, recent developments indicate a growing interest in strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Resurrection of economic relations is not only a strategic step for trade and industry, but is also a promising opportunity for women businessmen and women working forces. By promoting comprehensive trade policies and reducing obstacles, both countries can open new ways to make sustainable development, economic growth and gender empowerment.
Trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh has faced fluctuations over the past years. This has often hindered political tensions and obstacles to prices. In the financial year 2022-23, the trade volume between the two countries was about $ 900 million, which is much lower than the combined population of more than 400 million people.
Bangladesh exports clothing, textile, jute products and pharmaceuticals to Pakistan. Pakistan’s exports include cotton, textile, machinery and chemical products. Recent dialogues between the trade delegation, reflecting mutual interest in enhancing trade to improve visa policies and remove non -tiff barriers. The governments of the two countries have expressed their willingness to re -negotiate the tax structure and facilitate the business of business, which is an important step towards economic cooperation.
One of the most enthusiastic aspects of strengthening Pakistan Bangladesh’s trade relations is the impact of female traders. The two countries have seen a significant increase in women’s led businesses, especially in textile, crafts, fashion and e -commerce sectors.
According to the World Bank, women businessmen in Bangladesh play a significant role in the country’s developed textile industry. In Pakistan, women’s businesses in fashion design, organic products and crafts are growing. By promoting trade relations, women from both countries can benefit from many ways.
The increase in trade agreements will give women’s leading businesses a chance to expand their access to local markets. Pakistani women can tap in the textile industry at the height of business Bangladesh. Bangladeshi business women can find new customers in Pakistan’s growing retail sector. Women -led businesses can cooperate through commercial exhibitions, online markets and business summits. This will encourage the distribution of knowledge, the development of skills and the diversity of products.
Platforms like Draz (Pakistan) and Ajkadel (Bangladesh) provide a base for cross -border digital trade. Women -led small and medium -sized businesses (SMEs) can use these platforms to export products without heavy dependence on traditional supply chains. Governments should introduce policies that facilitate women -led startup by reducing trade barriers, providing financial incentives and supporting business incubation programs.
In addition to the entrepreneurship, a better trade relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh will have significant implications for women’s workforce. Women from both countries play an important role in the textile and clothing sectors, which are important partners in their economies.
In Bangladesh, the clothing industry consists of about 80 percent of the manpower. In Pakistan, women’s participation in the textile and handicraft industries is steadily increasing.
About 80 % of the manpower in the clothing industry in Bangladesh is comprised of women. In Pakistan, women’s participation in the textile and handicraft industries is steadily increasing.
Increasing trade will increase industrial production, which will result in more employment opportunities for women, especially in textile factories, agricultural industries and digital enterprises. With international examination and trade extension, factories and businesses will be encouraged to improve the quality of labor, to ensure safe and more equal work situation for female workers.
Trade agreements may include provisions for training programs, scholarships and technical development measures, aimed at increasing women’s participation in value -added industries. Access to credit and financial services for women in both Pakistan and Bangladesh is a major challenge. Microfinance schemes and financial literacy programs may include microfinance schemes and financial literacy programs to empower female workers and businessmen in cross -border trade measures.
Although the prospects for trade expansion are clear, there are many challenges that need to be addressed. Historical political differences have greatly affected economic relations, thus making diplomatic engagement and confidence -building measures necessary.
High taxes, complex custom procedures and non -tariff obstacles such as regulatory restrictions and lack of transparency create obstacles to increased trade. Direct banking channel absence, banking agreement and digital payment solutions between Pakistan and Bangladesh make financial transactions difficult, thus hinders smooth trade.
The limited paths of the ship and the complex regulations of transportation increase the cost and time needed to reach its destination, which requires increased transport infrastructure and trade facilities. Women business people often face gender -based obstacles, such as lack of representation in trade negotiations and limited access to financial resources, which can lead to lack of gender response to trade agreements.
The countries of governments will have to take active steps to fully benefit the trade capabilities and promote women’s economic participation. These include introducing special trade facility schemes that target women’s led business and promote comprehensive trade. Platforms must be set up where women from Pakistan and Bangladesh can connect business people, distribute experiences and find joint business projects.
Governments and private sector players should invest in cross -border e -commerce platforms to facilitate women -led digital business. Visa rules need to be relaxed for business women and businessmen to promote mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange. Trade educational programs, business incubation measures and leadership training for women can also help enhance women’s participation in bilateral trade.
Pakistan offers an important opportunity to strengthen Bangladesh trade relations, promote economic growth, enhance regional integration and empower women businesses and workers. By focusing on comprehensive policies, reducing trade barriers and promoting cross -border cooperation, the two countries can create a win scene.
Empowering women through trade will not only help in economic prosperity but will also pursue social change, which is why the South Asian economy is more equal and flexible. With the right strategies, Pakistan and Bangladesh can set an example of economic cooperation for the entire SAARC region to ensure gender participation, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The author is a research associate at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute’s economic growth unit. She can arrive at Mahnoor@sdpi.org
