For the First Time Since Independence, a Pakistani Ship Arrives in Bangladesh
In a historic development, a Pakistani container ship carrying over 300 containers recently docked at Chattogram Port, marking the first time since Bangladesh's independence that a vessel from Pakistan has arrived in the country. This development has sparked widespread interest, particularly following the recent shift in government policies. The direct container shipping service between Pakistan's Karachi Port and Bangladesh's Chattogram Port is seen as a significant step toward enhancing bilateral trade relations.
For the First Time Since Independence, a Pakistani Ship Arrives in Bangladesh
Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, hailed this as a "major advancement in bilateral trade." In a post on the verified Facebook page of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, he stated, “The direct shipping service is a landmark move to strengthen the trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.”
However, business circles remain skeptical about the necessity of such a service at this point. According to a report published in Prothom Alo on November 16, the trade volume between the two countries might not currently justify a dedicated container shipping line.
Trade Figures and Potential Growth
National Board of Revenue (NBR) data indicates that in the 2023-24 fiscal year, Bangladesh imported goods worth $744.5 million from Pakistan. Of this, 79%—approximately $590 million—comprised raw materials for export-oriented industries, including yarn, fabric, and processed leather. Other imports included clinker for cement production, fruits, dried fish, and women’s three-piece outfits.
During the same period, Bangladesh exported goods worth $62.4 million to Pakistan, including raw jute, pharmaceuticals, hydrogen peroxide, tea, and ready-made garments.
Shipping industry insiders reveal that while the total import volume from Pakistan last fiscal year was 1.6 million tons, less than 300,000 tons were containerized. Monthly imports from Pakistan are estimated to fill only 1,000 to 1,500 containers, insufficient to sustain a regular shipping service.
Policy Changes Drive New Service
Despite the current trade figures, the question arises: why launch this service now? Industry experts suggest that the recent political changes in Bangladesh might have influenced this decision. Since August 5, import restrictions on Pakistani goods have been eased. Previously, all goods from Pakistan were subject to 100% physical inspection upon arrival at Chattogram Port. This requirement was lifted through an NBR directive on August 29, potentially paving the way for increased imports.
Syed Mohammad Arif, President of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, commented, “Our trade volume with Pakistan is still relatively low. However, with relaxed import restrictions, there is potential for growth, which might have prompted the launch of this service.”
While this is the first direct container shipping service between the two countries, general cargo ships have been operating sporadically between their ports.
