KARACHI, July 28: Bangladesh and Pakistan are likely to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) in the next three to four months.

This was stated by Bangladeshi Deputy High Commissioner Abdul Hannan here on Friday during an interactive session with Site industrialists.

Accompanied by Dr Ayub-ur-Rahman Bhuyan, a renowned economist of Bangladesh and expert on FTA in Saarc region, the Bangladesh diplomat said their visit to the Site Association of Industry was aimed at having a candid discussion on problems faced by entrepreneurs of both the countries.

The direct interaction was aimed at getting the feelings of background people before the two governments enter into FTA. “We are ready to discuss the non-Tariff issues just to remove them,” said the Bangladeshi deputy high commissioner.

Responding to the issue of non-cooperation by Bangladeshi banks, Mr Hannan said Pakistani banks could be allowed to open branches to deal with this particular problem. He said the issue of establishment of warehouses and offices of Pakistani companies could also be discussed and sorted out.

The members of Site Association's executive committee pointed out a number of problems faced by Pakistani exporters of textile made-ups, pharmaceuticals and other value-added products.

They pointed out that since no direct transport link existed between the two countries, importers from Bangladesh look towards India due to geographical contiguity and less time required for delivery of items imported.

The Site body members candidly said the FTA was welcomed but it should be beneficial to both the countries and should not be at the cost of any one country.—APP