Knowin’ the bitter history of Pakistan; then President Musharraf’s landmark visit to Bangladesh has helped alot understandin’ among two countries. Same credit goes to Khaleda Zia. President, on his visit, made it clear to the people of Bangladesh **'We feel sorry for the tragedy which left deep scars on both our nations. But wounds do heal with time. ** and… Your brothers and sisters in Pakistan share the pain of the events of 1971.
I hope, news like followin’ keeps comin’ so that we see both countries living in prosperity and hormony. 
Invest in Bangladesh, PM tells Pak Minister
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia emphasised bolstering up the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Business Council, formed during the Pakistani President’s visit to Dhaka last year, to strengthen economic cooperation between the two SAARC countries.
She also stressed “strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation” under the purview of the seven-nation South Asian forum.
Khaleda’s suggestions came when visiting Pakistani Minister for Industries and Production Liaquat Ali Jatoi made a courtesy call on her at the Prime Minister’s office yesterday.
The Prime Minister requested the Pakistan Minister to encourage his country’s entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh “either individually or in joint ventures”.
She particularly mentioned Chittagong Steel Mills Complex–recently brought under the CEPZ–textile and agro-based industries as potential areas of investment.
Liaquat, who is expected to visit the Export Processing Zone, showed keen interest in investment in ventures in the exclusive economic zone.
Khaleda thanked the Pakistani emissary for allowing duty- free access of Bangladeshi raw jute and tea to Pakistan.
Referring to BMRE in sugar industries of Bangladesh with the assistance of Pakistan, she requested the visiting Industries Minister to extend soft state credits to this project.
Responding positively, the Pak envoy said that they would finalise the matter in their cabinet meeting “soon”.
Liaquat stressed frequent exchange of visits at various levels between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations and trade and commerce. He suggested visit of a business delegation to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Khaleda said a Bangladesh business delegation would visit Pakistan “soon”.
The Pak envoy extended an invitation to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to visit Pakistan. And she accepted, saying that a date would be set in due time through diplomatic channel.
Liaquat also conveyed her greetings of Pak Premier Mir Zafarullah Jamali.
Prime Minister Khaleda reciprocated conveying her best wishes to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and the Premier.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamaluddin Siddiqui and Industries Secretary AFM Sarwar Karim were present.
Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Iqbal Ahmed Khan accompanied the Pakistani Minister during the meet.
Pakistan ready to invest in fertiliser plant
Pakistan is interested in investing in a fertiliser plant and restructuring Karnaphuli paper mills, besides offering soft term loans for modernisation of Bangladesh’s ailing sugar mills.
This was disclosed by visiting Pakistani Minister for Industries and Productivity Liaquat Ali Jatoi while talking to BSS after meeting with Industries Minister M K Anwar at his office here yesterday.
Pakistani High Commissioner in Dhaka Iqbal Ahmed Khan and Industries Secretary A F M Sarwar Kamal were present, among others, in the meeting.
The Pakistani minister who arrived here this morning on a two-day visit to Bangladesh was received at Zia International Airport by State Minister for Industries Prof Rezaul Karim.
After the meeting, an industries ministry official told the agency that Pakistan had proposed to invest up to US$ 400 million in fertilizer and paper plants. They showed interest in a fertiliser plant having 1700 tons daily production capacity at an estimated cost of around US$ 320 million.
The restructuring of the Karnaphuli Paper Mills, once belonged to Daud Group of Pakistan may cost up to 80 million dollars. The restructuring of the mill will also help raise its annual productivity from 30,000 tons to 60,000 tons.
The Pakistani minister said his government has offered a 5 million dollar soft loan for next five years for modernisation of Bangladesh’s sugar mills.
“This is just a gesture of goodwill from the Pakistani government,” he said, adding his country “may offer more soft loans and also expand time for repayment.” Pakistan is also willing to make investments in Bangladesh’s textile sector, he said.
Mr Jatoi said a Pakistani appraisal team would visit Bangladesh in early next month to explore the feasibility of the fertilizer plant and working on the paper mills. The team will specially try to explore gas price and fertiliser cost as a starting point to investment in this sector, he said.
To a question on furthering trade from both sides, he said they had talked about enhancing exports and imports from both sides to their mutual benefits.
These issues would come up in meetings of the business leaders of both countries when a Bangladeshi chamber delegation would go on a visit to Pakistan soon.
“Their closer interaction will result in more trade and solid foundation to cement a more fruitful relation from both sides,” Mr Jatoi said.
He said both countries are now at the take off stage and they can mutually benefit from working closely. Referring to talks with Bangladesh industries minister, the official said the Pakistani minister has also offered to supply Honda motor cycle and spare parts to Bangladesh at a huge competitive cost.
He said Bangladesh is already assembling Honda motor cycle at Atlas Plant near Tongi and the new proposal may be further explored.
About fertiliser plant, he said Pakistan imports about one million tons of fertiliser annually and it looks favourably to set up a fertiliser plant here on the basis of buy back contact.
About Pakistani investment in the textiles sector, he said Bangladesh has a huge market potential for readymade garments, besides a growing domestic market. Pakistan has a huge technical capacity and both sides can benefit working mutually in this sector.
The Pakistan side responded favourably on the issue, said the official.
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