KASUR: The Kasur leather industry—one of Pakistan’s largest—is eyeing promising trade prospects with Bangladesh following recent diplomatic shifts and the visit of Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan.
During his recent trip to Kasur, the High Commissioner met with local leather manufacturers and toured tanneries in Dingar, Niaznagar, and Iqbalnagar. The visit comes amid improving Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following the political transition in Dhaka.
Industry Perspectives and Opportunities
President of the Tanneries Association Kasur, Muhammad Yousaf Saqlain, welcomed the diplomatic overtures and expressed optimism about bilateral trade in leather products, emphasizing:
- Mutual benefits for both nations in revitalizing leather trade.
- The need for time and engagement to understand each other’s market demands, given the 20+ years of limited interaction.
- Plans for Pakistani traders to visit Bangladesh to explore markets and establish partnerships.
Saqlain praised both governments for facilitating visas and trade access, enabling easier cross-border business engagement.
High Commissioner’s Remarks
High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan emphasized:
- The strategic importance of Kasur, home to over 300 modern, eco-friendly tanneries.
- Intent to simplify visa regimes for businesspeople from both countries.
- Bangladesh’s plan to resume exports of raw and semi-processed leather to Pakistan, possibly soon after Eidul Azha.
- Recognition that Bangladesh’s leather sector is smaller in scale but complementary to Pakistan’s, opening space for joint investment and collaboration.
He also highlighted environmental reforms in Bangladesh’s leather sector, citing the relocation of leather units from Dhaka to environmentally compliant zones.
Background
The renewed interest in trade follows a political change in Bangladesh, with the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League. The two nations are now aiming to reset diplomatic and economic ties, with leather trade emerging as a key area of cooperation.
