Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro has said the country’s current political stability has created a favorable environment for business, trade and investment, describing this as the right time for international investors to expand their presence in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while addressing the ‘B2B Workshop with Italian Textile Machineries and Technology Companies’ at the World Trade Center in Chattogram on Thursday 9 July.
The ambassador said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Italy has already exceeded 2 billion euros, with Italy importing around 1.6 billion euros worth of Bangladeshi products annually. He noted that Italian companies are prepared to supply advanced textile machinery and technological support to help diversify Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry and improve product quality.
He also stressed the need to strengthen business-to-business connectivity between the two countries, highlighting Chattogram’s strategic geographical location as a gateway for expanding trade and investment.
Speaking as the chief host, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Mohammad Amirul Haque said Chattogram is rapidly emerging as Bangladesh’s principal economic hub. He said a China Economic Zone and a Free Trade Zone are being developed along the Karnaphuli River, while another Free Trade Zone is under construction in Matarbari.
He added that discussions are also progressing on the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, which, if implemented, would significantly enhance regional connectivity, industrialization and cross-border trade, positioning Chattogram as a major logistics and commercial hub for South and Southeast Asia.
Amirul Haque invited Italian businesses to capitalize on the growing investment opportunities in Bangladesh, noting that foreign investors can establish industries in the country’s free trade zones through a streamlined one-stop service. He said Italy could play a significant role in advancing Bangladesh’s textile, leather and steel industries through technology transfer and investment.
Honorary Consul of Italy in Chattogram Mirza Salman Ispahani said Bangladesh’s textile industry has a strong demand for Italian machinery. He said B2B engagements like the workshop create opportunities for entrepreneurs from both countries to exchange technology, expertise and business experience.
Speakers at the workshop also proposed establishing a joint training and service center to develop skilled local operators for the maintenance and efficient operation of Italian machinery. They also expressed optimism about expanding Italian investment beyond the garment sector into other productive industries.
Among those present were representatives of the Italian Trade Agency, Antonietta Baccanari and Cinzia Campanile; former CCCI Senior Vice President M.A. Salam; former Vice President Syed Mohammad Tanvir; former Director S.M. Abu Tayyab; M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury; BKMEA Director Ahmed Noor Faisal; BTMA representative Mirza Ahmed Ispahani; Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association President Mohammad Mohsin; and leading representatives of Bangladesh’s textile sector.
