Trade advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin said, “Ahead of Ramadan, the government is taking steps to increase the supply of daily commodities including onions, sugar and dates. That’s why the government wants to increase business relations with different countries.
On Tuesday (19 November) afternoon, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maruf came to Dhaka for a courtesy call, said the trade adviser. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral trade, Karachi-Chittagong direct commercial shipping and enhancing activities of Joint Working Group.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin said, “The government distributes products at subsidized prices to a large number of people in the country. These include rice, onion, sugar, edible oil and pulses. The distribution of subsidized goods by the government helps to make people’s lives a little easier.”
He said, “If SAARC is revived, the member countries will benefit. The existing relations between the countries will be strengthened.”
At that time, the ambassador said, “Bangladesh-Pakistan has cultural and civilizational relations in the subcontinent as part of the Indo-Muslim civilization. Bilateral trade will play an important role in strengthening the foundation of this relationship.
In the meantime, the ambassador said that the cargo ships from Pakistan have arrived in Bangladesh, ”both countries have benefited because of the reduced time and cost.” At this time, he mentioned the interest of the Pakistani government in exporting sugar, onions and dates to Bangladesh.
He further said, “Wheat is produced in Pakistan but not exported. However, if there is surplus production, priority will be given to Bangladesh in wheat export.
During the meeting, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Mohang Salim Uddin and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau. Anwar Hossain was present.
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What role do essential commodities play in economic stability during Ramadan?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sheikh Bashir Uddin, a prominent trade advisor who has been actively involved in enhancing trade relations in the region, especially ahead of Ramadan. Sheikh Bashir, thank you for joining us.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. You mentioned that the government is taking steps to increase the supply of daily commodities like onions, sugar, and dates ahead of Ramadan. Why is this particularly important during this time?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: Ramadan is a month of fasting and reflection for many. It’s a time when the demand for essential commodities rises significantly as families prepare to break their fasts. Ensuring an adequate supply of these goods is crucial to keep prices stable and support the purchasing power of citizens.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense. You also mentioned the government’s initiative to enhance trade relations with other countries. Could you elaborate on why these international relationships are vital right now?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: Certainly! Strengthening trade relationships allows us to diversify our sources of essential commodities, ultimately ensuring we have reliable supplies. In discussions with Pakistan’s High Commissioner, for example, we talked about enhancing trade through direct shipping routes between Karachi and Chittagong, which could significantly boost our economic interactions.
Time.news Editor: It sounds promising! You also mentioned subsidized goods during your discussions. How does the government’s distribution of these subsidized products impact the average citizen?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: The distribution of subsidized goods like rice, onions, sugar, edible oil, and pulses plays a pivotal role in alleviating economic pressures on our population. By keeping prices low, we help ensure that even the most vulnerable among us can access basic food items, making life a little easier during challenging times.
Time.news Editor: It’s commendable that the government is taking these steps to support its citizens. You brought up the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its potential revival. How do you see this affecting trade in the region?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: If SAARC is revitalized, it could be a game changer for trade relations among member countries. The revival could lead to smoother trade agreements, open markets, and stronger partnerships, which would ultimately benefit all member nations economically. Improved collaboration can foster mutual growth and stability.
Time.news Editor: The collaborative spirit you mention is so important. The ambassador noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan share deep cultural and civilizational ties. How do these historical connections play into modern trade?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: Indeed, our historical ties significantly influence our current relations. They provide a strong foundation for building bilateral trade. When we engage in trade, we aren’t just exchanging goods; we’re nurturing a shared cultural heritage and fostering goodwill, which can lead to lasting partnerships.
Time.news Editor: That’s beautifully stated. As we close, Sheikh Bashir, what are your hopes for the future of trade relations in the region as we approach Ramadan?
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: I hope to see increased collaboration, not just in trade, but also in sharing best practices and supporting each other through challenges. Ramadan offers us an opportunity to reflect on community and compassion, ideally extending that spirit into our economic relations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Sheikh Bashir. Your insights today have been incredibly enlightening, and we appreciate your time!
Sheikh Bashir Uddin: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important topics with you.