In a landmark event symbolizing renewed bilateral relations and strategic economic collaboration, Bangladesh recently received a significant shipment of 26,250 tonnes of atap rice from Pakistan. This consignment, which arrived at Chittagong Port, marks the first phase of a 50,000-tonne rice import agreement between the two nations, underscoring a pivotal moment in South Asian trade dynamics.
On March 5, 2025, the Pakistani-flagged vessel MV SIBI docked at Chittagong Port’s CCT-1 jetty, delivering 26,250 tonnes of atap rice. This shipment is part of a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, reflecting a significant step in their bilateral trade relations.
This rice import signifies the resumption of direct trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan after more than five decades. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, direct trade had been minimal, primarily conducted through third countries or intermediaries. The recent agreement represents the first direct G2G trade between the two nations, highlighting a thaw in historically strained relations.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for importing 50,000 tonnes of atap rice from Pakistan was signed on January 14, 2025, in Dhaka. Under this agreement, Bangladesh is purchasing white rice from Pakistan at $499 per tonne through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. The shipment is being delivered in two phases, with the remaining 25,000 tonnes expected to arrive in early March.
The decision to import rice from Pakistan at $499 per tonne has sparked discussions regarding cost-effectiveness, especially when compared to rice imports from Vietnam, which are priced at $474.25 per tonne. Despite the higher cost, this move is seen as a strategic effort by Bangladesh to diversify its rice import sources, strengthen economic ties with Pakistan, and ensure a stable supply chain amid global market fluctuations.
The Bangladeshi government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has been actively working to stabilize the domestic rice market. In recent months, rice prices have surged by 15-20%, with medium-quality rice retailing at approximately 80 taka ($0.66) per kilogram. The import of 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan is anticipated to alleviate supply shortages and curb escalating prices, thereby providing relief to consumers.
Upon arrival at Chittagong Port, the unloading process of the Pakistani rice shipment was scheduled to commence following standard procedures, including sample testing and quality assessments. Officials from the Directorate General of Food’s Storage and Movement Control Office indicated that approximately 3,000 tonnes of rice could be unloaded daily, projecting an eight-day timeline to complete the process for the 26,250-tonne shipment.
The successful execution of this rice import agreement is expected to pave the way for enhanced bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Both nations are optimistic about exploring further avenues of economic cooperation, potentially extending beyond agricultural commodities to include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors. This development signifies a mutual interest in strengthening ties and fostering regional economic integration.
The resumption of direct trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan also reflects broader trends in South Asian regional trade dynamics. As both countries seek to diversify their trade partnerships, such agreements contribute to economic resilience and offer alternatives to traditional trade routes. This move aligns with regional efforts to enhance economic collaboration and reduce dependency on single markets.
The arrival of 26,250 tonnes of atap rice from Pakistan marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s trade history, symbolizing renewed bilateral relations and strategic economic planning. This development not only addresses immediate domestic needs but also sets the stage for future collaborations, reflecting a shared commitment to economic growth and regional stability.
