Islamabad, Nov 18: A cargo ship has completed the first direct journey from Pakistan to Bangladesh in decades, successfully delivering its containers and marking a pivotal moment in renewing ties between the two nations.
The Panama-registered vessel Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan traveled from Karachi to Chittagong, where it offloaded its shipment on November 11, as confirmed by Chittagong port official Omar Faruq.
This breakthrough comes after a long history of strained relations following the countries’ separation in 1971 after a devastating war.
This direct shipping link has resulted from recent efforts to rebuild trade connections and is expected to streamline logistics and reduce costs.
Pakistani goods previously underwent offloading at intermediary ports like Sri Lanka or Singapore before reaching Bangladesh.
The ship carried vital supplies, including raw materials for Bangladesh’s garment industry and food items.
In a positive move, Bangladesh recently eased import restrictions on Pakistani products, eliminating the mandatory physical inspections that had caused significant delays.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maroof, described the direct shipping route as a “major step” in enhancing trade and fostering regional business opportunities.
His remarks, shared on social media, sparked widespread discussion and optimism about the potential for closer economic ties.
This development not only simplifies trade between the two nations but also signals a promising shift toward improved relations and greater regional cooperation.
