Pak PM's visit proves useful

Secondly, Shaukat's trip in Dhaka coincided with a refreshing wind of change blowing into the traditionally inimical relations between two major players in the SAARC -- India and Pakistan. Consequently, the prospect of a better security ambience in South Asia should help stimulate a collective SAARC endeavour geared to accelerating poverty alleviation in the region.

This can happen in two ways. Intra-regional trade which is now abysmally below five percent of the total volume of global trade transacted by the seven SAARC countries, must be hugely increased through the SAFTA mechanism to make a difference in the poverty situation. In addition, it's crucial that SAARC has a common fund for the sake of poverty alleviation. Pakistan and Bangladesh prime ministers agree on this point.

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On the purely bilateral plane, issues of trade, investment and economic cooperation featured in the interactions across the board. Much as the volume of trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan is increasing with each passing year, there hasn't been any corresponding reduction in trade imbalance for Bangladesh. Duty-free access has been allowed to jute and tea only whereas altogether 121 Bangladeshi items are on offer.

It's heartening to note though, that Pakistan is willing to help Bangladesh in the vertical integration of the country's textile sector. With her rich cotton-cum-textiles base Pakistan can provide us with the fabric we need. She can also invest in backward linkage industries which could have a positive bearing on our garments exports in view of the post-MFA regimen.