Pakistan, Bangladesh establish direct maritime link for first time since relations severed in 1971

​​​​​​​By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - A Pakistani cargo ship docked in Bangladesh, marking the first direct maritime contact between the two South Asian nations since relations were severed in 1971.

The docking is viewed as a major step toward enhancing trade and business ties between the two Muslim-majority nations.

Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan on Dec. 16, 1971, after a nine-month war.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof called the voyage a step toward "boosting more integrated and trade network across the region."

The ship is the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries, Maroof said in a statement, adding that the "direct route promises to significantly streamline supply chains and reduce transit time."

The vessel carried a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 22-foot equivalent (TEU) capacity. TEU is a general unit of cargo capacity.

The voyage highlights the growing demand for direct trade between the two countries, according to Maroof.

He characterized the shipping route as boosting a more integrated and trade network across the region.

Maroof said the initiative will not only accelerate existing trade flows but also promote new opportunities for businesses on both sides, from small traders to large exporters.