Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed on Tuesday urged the government to intensify its economic diplomacy and expedite the signing of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to maintain Bangladesh’s global competitiveness following its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
During a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, at her ministry office, the DCCI chief highlighted the vast untapped potential for Bangladeshi exports and investments across Africa, South America, and South-East Asia.
He specifically called for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to spearhead collaborative efforts to diversify the country’s export basket and expand its market reach.
Ahmed underscored the necessity of simplifying direct payment mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade with African nations, particularly in sectors such as contract farming, information technology, and agriculture.
In response, Obaid assured that the government is working relentlessly to ink trade agreements that bolster bilateral commerce and investment with promising regions, including the African continent.
She emphasised that joint initiatives between the public and private sectors are essential for achieving positive economic outcomes.
She pointed out that African markets offer significant opportunities for Bangladeshi products like jute and jute goods, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, fruits, and ceramics.
She urged domestic entrepreneurs to sharpen their focus on these markets and called on the private sector to enhance its capacity to meet the commercial challenges of the post-LDC graduation era.
DCCI Senior Vice-President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice-President Md Salem Solaiman, and Acting Secretary General AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary were present at the meeting.
Director General of the International Trade, Investment & Technology Wing Sayed Muntasir Mamun also attended the session.
