Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed direct trade with each other under government-to-government deal.
Shipment of 50000 tons of rice left Port Qasim for Bangladesh marking it to be the first direct trade between the two countries since independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
This is the result of improvement in diplomatic ties between the two nations since an interim set-up led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yonus taking over, after the deadlier student protest that forced Prime Minister sheikh Hasina out from the country.
Under the new agreement that was finalized earlier this month Bangladesh will purchase white rice from Pakistan at 499 dollars per ton through the trading corporation of Pakistan.
The rice will be delivered in two phases, with remaining 25000 tons will leave in the start of march.
Nonetheless, the Bangladesh is purchasing rice at higher rate than it has been importing from Vietnam at 474.25 dollars per ton.
The Bangladeshi regime is trying to stabilize the rice market as prices have grown up to 15 and 20% in recent times.
The price medium quality rice has reached 80 taka (0.66) per kilo.
This step is aimed at controlling the prices. Bangladesh interim government is importing rice from the international market, including through to tenders
