Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Bangladesh are like two branches of the same tree, rooted in shared history and culture. She welcomed collaboration with Bangladesh in industrial clusters and digital upskilling programs, noting broad potential for cooperation in food security and agriculture.
She made these remarks during a meeting with Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, in Lahore. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, industry, and agriculture.
Maryam Nawaz praised Bangladesh's achievements in the garments sector and microfinance, as well as the participation of women in the workforce. She said Punjab is open to partnerships with Bangladesh in industrial and digital skill development.
The chief minister highlighted that Punjab exported 50,000 tons of quality rice to Bangladesh in January 2025. She said Punjab can offer Bangladesh world-class laboratories and exports of surgical equipment and medical devices.
Maryam Nawaz welcomed Bangladesh's steps to ease visa clearances, calling it a sign of mutual trust. She also endorsed the establishment of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Chamber of Commerce in Lahore and Dhaka and assured facilities for Bangladeshi investors through one-window business centers.
She added that Punjab looks forward to participating in Bangladesh's Vision 2030 "Women First" summit. The Bangladeshi High Commissioner appreciated Maryam Nawaz’s welfare initiatives and developmental efforts in the province.
