Bangladesh and Pakistan are exploring plans to establish a direct maritime connection, including a passenger-and-cargo ferry service and a dedicated shipping line, in a move that could significantly reshape their limited trade ties.
The proposal took shape following discussions in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. The talks centred on restoring direct sea links between ports in both countries, aiming to enhance commercial engagement and reduce logistical barriers.
Currently, most goods traded between the two nations are routed through third countries such as Singapore, Sri Lanka, or the United Arab Emirates. This indirect routing increases shipping time and costs, creating inefficiencies in supply chains. Officials involved in the discussions said a direct sea link could substantially reduce transit delays and improve cost efficiency for exporters and importers on both sides.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan remains modest compared to Bangladesh’s trade with regional heavyweights like India and China. Annual trade volumes have hovered around a few hundred million dollars — a small fraction of Bangladesh’s global exports, which exceed $50 billion. Analysts have long pointed to logistics bottlenecks and the absence of direct connectivity as key constraints on expanding commercial ties.
The proposed ferry service would carry both passengers and cargo, potentially linking ports across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Beyond facilitating trade, the service could enable business travel and limited tourism, offering a symbolic step toward pragmatic economic engagement between the two countries.
Regional experts note that the success of the initiative will depend on commercial viability, port infrastructure readiness, and sustained political commitment in both capitals. Nevertheless, the renewed push for direct maritime connectivity represents one of the most concrete efforts in recent years to translate diplomatic engagement into tangible economic cooperation.
