DHAKA, Oct 19, 2019 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said the
government is giving highest priority to free trade agreement (FTA) for
expansion of the country’s trade and export.
“We need FTA considering the necessity of the country’s future challenges
in the competitive global trade after the formal enlistment in the list of
developing nations in 2024,” he said while addressing a seminar as chief
guest.
Commonwealth of Independent States Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (CIS-BCCI) organized the seminar “Fostering Global Free Trade
Relations” in a city hotel.
The commerce minister said Bangladesh has a good market for its readymade
garment items in the Eurasia and has a potentiality to export $ 4-5 billion
to Russia and its adjacent countries.
Referring to the government’s ongoing efforts to sign FTA with MERCOSUR
countries, he said the FTA with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay would
boost Bangladesh’s apparel export.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Md. Nojibur Rahman said the
present government is very much business friendly and working relentlessly to
improve the environment further. “Our (government) main aim is to improve the
livelihood and economic scenarios of people through expanding trade and
business activities,” he added.
Commerce Secretary Dr Jafar Uddin said the government has been working to
sign FTAs with many countries including India, China, Russia, Brazil,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
With CIS-BCCI President Habib Ullah Dawn in the chair, Dhaka North City
Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, BGMEA Acting President Foysal Samad, BKMEA
First Vice President Md Hatem, CPD Distinguish Fellow Dr Mustafizur Rahman
and Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Sharifa Khan addressed the
seminar.
CIS-BCCI Adviser Monzur Ahmed and its Senior Vice President Lokman Hossain
Akash jointly made the keynote presentation.