Islamabad: The restoration of direct trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a significant milestone for promotion of bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. According to Radio Pakistan, it is for the first time after 1971 that the direct trade between both the countries resumed at government level. In this connection, Bangladesh signed an agreement to purchase fifty thousand tons of rice from Pakistan. The agreement to export rice to Bangladesh was reached through Trading Corporation of Pakistan in the beginning of this month. Under the agreement, the first officially approved shipment of 25 thousand tons of rice has been departed from Port Qasim, while the second consignment will be dispatched in early next month. Similarly, the cargo ship of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation will dock at Bangladeshi port for the first time. The establishment of shipping routes between Pakistan and Bangladesh will help further strengthen trade relations between the two countries. It will also help open new avenues of trade and signing of more agreements between the two countries. The restoration of official trade relations between the two countries is a positive sign for economic stability in the region.