DHAKA, Jan 2: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Jan 24, leading a 15-member team consisted of officials and business leaders, the commerce ministry sources said.

Bilateral trade and other issues of mutual interest would come up for discussion between the two team led by Mr Razak and his Bangladeshi counterpart Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury at the meeting beginning from January 26.

Existing trade volume between the two countries is not considered adequate. In fact, Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan have been gradually dwindling and during last year as it stood at only $32 million. Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh during the same period were around $90 million.

While the agenda for the meeting between the two sides is being prepared, market access of Bangladeshi goods into Pakistan is likely to be given due importance. Pakistani minister may also call on Finance and Planning Minister M. Saifur Rahman.

The main theme of their discussion would be how to expand their bilateral trade volume. For example, traditional items like tea, raw jute, betel leaves and jute products could be exported to Pakistan in larger quantity, while Dhaka may request Islamabad for sale of cotton for the benefit of readymade garment and textile sector. If this could materialize, the volume of trade between the two countries would be expanded substantially.

Dhaka fair: Pakistan will send a large delegation to attend Dhaka international trade fair, starting from January 11, adds APP.

A senior official in the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) said here on Wednesday that 30 leading manufacturers and exporters of consumer and engineering goods will participate in the one-month long exhibition.

He said that EPB has acquired 625 square meters of space for Pakistan pavilion.

Manufacturers of tractors, agriculture implements, auto rickshaw and motorcycles, bicycle, autoparts, domestic appliances, textile items, garments, confectionery, food items, spices, sanitary fittings, aluminium furniture, ceramics and tiles will exhibit their products.

EPB official said that bright opportunities existed for the Pakistani consumer items and engineering goods in Bangladesh.

He said that Commerce Minister is very keen to attend this fair as it is one of the priority countries for the promotion of Pakistani exports in 2002.

He pointed out that Bangladesh is about to float a tender to purchase a large number of auto rickshaws, and Pakistan can capitalise this opportunity by adjusting prices.

He said India will be the major competitor with its three-wheelers Bajaj. India has the price advantage over Pakistan as it is producing 35,000 auto rickshaws per annum.