Bangladesh is seeking to diversify exports to New Zealand beyond ready-made garments while attracting investment in pharmaceuticals, IT, dairy processing, agritech and renewable energy as bilateral trade stands at about $450 million a year.
Exports to New Zealand total about $147 million, mostly garments, while imports include significant dairy and metal products, according to information presented at a meeting with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in Auckland on Tuesday.
Led by Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, the delegation sought support to expand markets for Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, jute products, leather goods, sustainable textiles and IT services.
Bangladesh also proposed partnerships in software, fintech and digital services, and invited New Zealand companies to invest in special economic zones in dairy processing, cold-chain logistics, agritech, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and green technologies.
The delegation said Bangladesh could serve as a production base for wider South and Southeast Asian markets.
The two sides also discussed business-to-business links, a bilateral business council and greater participation in trade fairs.
