DHAKA, Nov 4: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday called for further improvement in trade ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh through mutual cooperation and exchange of trade relations.

Addressing a meeting with leading business community of Bangladesh, the premier said private sector has to play important role in the promotion of trade relations between the two countries.

He said Pakistan would provide full assistance and cooperation to the businessmen from Bangladesh to further promote the trade volume.

He said two Pakistani banks were working in Bangladesh successfully and urged more banks from Bangladesh to open their branches in Pakistan.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan has been exporting surgical goods to over 35 countries and there is more scope for cooperation in this field.

He said the regional disputes should not be a hurdle in the way of two-way trade in the region as improvement of trade relations were in favour of the people of all the Saarc member states.

He said he had very useful and fruitful meetings with various members of the Bangladesh cabinet for further promoting trade relations between the two countries.

He said Pakistan is an open country and the businessmen from all over the world including Bangladesh are welcome to promote business relations with Pakistan.

Earlier, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Awal Minto speaking on the occasion presented various suggestions to promote bilateral trade.-APP