LAHORE, April 29: Bangladesh Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Awal Minto on Thursday stressed the need for a strong business alliance between the two countries.

Speaking at a meeting of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Thursday he said that the historic, social and cultural relationship provided a good platform for the expansion of economic relations which may touch around $100 million per annum. He said that Pakistani entrepreneurs could also invest in the private sector-led liberalized economy of Bangladesh.

There was also a vast scope for setting up composite textile mills in Bangladesh to meet the three billion metres fabrics demand of its burgeoning garment industry with $5 billion exports. Delegation member Engineer Fahim proposed formation of Pakistan- Bangladesh joint chamber and direct shipping service for boosting the volume of trade.