Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for initiatives aimed at boosting travel and trade between the two countries, Radio Pakistan reported.

The premier met him on the sidelines of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation meeting in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday.

The prime minister described their recent meeting as a “very warm and cordial exchange,” highlighting several positive measures discussed to facilitate connections between the two nations.

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz noted that they talked about strengthening historical and cultural ties, increasing trade, and exploring collaboration in sectors such as IT, chemicals, leather, and surgical goods.

The leaders also agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges and align efforts for mutual development. “We reaffirmed our commitment to deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration for the shared prosperity of our peoples,” he added.

The leaders emphasised the importance of aligning their efforts to achieve development objectives that benefit both nations. They highlighted the significance of fostering people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges, including the increased exchange of artists, athletes, academics, and students. They expressed satisfaction over the recent visit of the Bangladesh cricket team to Pakistan and a Pakistani artist’s concert in Dhaka.

Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation within various multilateral platforms, including the D-8. The meeting was characterised by a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the goodwill and strong ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

PM Shehbaz underscored the “deep historical, religious, and cultural connections” between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed Pakistan’s “keen desire” to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, people-to-people interactions, and cultural exchanges.

He stressed the need for explore new avenues for economic collaboration, focusing on sectors such as chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather, and information technology.

The premier also expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for its recent measures to facilitate trade and travel, including the removal of the 100% physical inspection requirement for consignments from Pakistan and the abolition of the special security desk at Dhaka airport that previously scrutinised Pakistani passengers. Shehbaz also thanked Yunus for eliminating extra clearance requirements for Pakistani visa applicants.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent positive developments in bilateral relations and noted the increasing frequency of high-level contacts between the two nations.

PM Shehbaz calls for investing in youth

PM Shehbaz emphasised that the D-8 summit presented a “vital opportunity” for enhancing collaboration in the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While addressing the summit in Cairo, Egypt, he stated that Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved preferential trade Agreements with D-8 member countries and the implementation of related protocols.

He pointed out that youth and SMEs are “crucial drivers” of economic growth, noting that SMEs generate employment, stimulate innovation, and encourage local entrepreneurship.

The premier stressed the importance of investing in youth and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship through SMEs for the socio-economic development of Pakistan. He highlighted that over 60% of the country’s population is young, with a significant portion under the age of 30, who can play a “pivotal role” in driving innovation and development.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage youth entrepreneurship through its flagship youth programme. He stated that the program is dedicated to “providing quality education, creating employment opportunities, and offering productive avenues for young people.”

Since its inception in 2013, the initiative has distributed over 600,000 laptops to deserving students and awarded thousands of scholarships. Moreover, millions of youth have received technical training in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, contributing to Pakistan’s status as home to one of the largest freelancer communities globally.

PM Shehbaz emphasised that investing in youth is “essential for building inclusive and resilient economies” capable of addressing global challenges. He noted that “young people bring energy, fresh ideas, and creativity, while small and medium enterprises are vital for job creation, innovation, and the promotion of entrepreneurship.”