At least 12 containers of onions are being exported to Bangladesh,” the official told the daily

An English-language Pakistan daily has claimed Bangladesh placed a 300 tons import order to Pakistan, after nearly 15 years of recess as India imposed a ban on export of the kitchen essential.

In a report on Friday, The News International said an an official of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) confirmed that Bangladesh’s Tasho Enterprise finalized deals with a Karachi-based Roshan Enterprise in this regard.

“At least 12 containers of onions are being exported to Bangladesh,” the official told the daily.

Earlier, India slapped a ban on exports of onion to Bangladesh due to its local shortage amid floods, causing a surge in prices to new heights in Bangladesh, as the market was heavily dependent on Indian supply.

According to the Pakistani newspaper, the official said Bangladesh is also looking for import options from countries like Turkey, Myanmar, and Egypt to meet the demand in the local market.

The official also said the onion trade was also agreed in government-to-government level talks.

“This (ban) has created market potential for Pakistan.”

An exporter believes the export price would be much more viable for Bangladesh considering the current onion price in the market.

“The shipment value from Pakistan would be around $600 a ton,” Waheed Ahmed, patron-in-chief of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association, said. He said one container carries approximately 28 tons.

A TDAP official said Bangladesh is also considering import of dates, grey fabric, and yarn from Pakistani companies.

The News International also reports, a government department said trade diplomacy between the two countries generally remained stalled between 2001 and 2006.

“For instance, holding of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between Pakistan and Bangladesh is long overdue,” the commercial wing of Pakistan’s High Commission in Dhaka said in a report. The last JEC meeting was held in 2005 in Bangladesh.

Moreover, most of the trade diplomacy and major bilateral agreements were made during the previous governments.