Pakistan has offered Bangladesh the use of Karachi Port to enhance trade connectivity with China, Central Asian states, and other regional markets, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral and regional economic integration.

The offer was made during the ninth session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Dhaka, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

The declaration stated that both countries agreed to enhance collaboration between their national shipping corporations to facilitate maritime trade.

It was also decided to accelerate efforts for the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh to promote business and people-to-people contacts.

In a key development, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute to boost cooperation in halal trade.

Under the Knowledge Corridor initiative, Pakistan proposed 500 new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Pakistani universities.

Additionally, the number of training slots under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP) has been increased from five to twenty-five.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, industry, energy, climate change, and information technology — areas seen as critical to fostering long-term economic partnership and regional stability.