D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among the following countries -Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
The FBCCI chief also sought initiative to expand cooperation in terms of knowledge transfer for market driven technologies with a view to developing stronger trade and investment relations with D-8 countries.
The issues came up for discussion at a meeting held between D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari and FBCCI President Fahim at FBCCI Bhaban on Monday.
The FBCCI chief, while proposing a D-8 Economic Zone in Bangladesh, highlighted the advantage of the liberal investment regime and incentives offered by Bangladesh in addition to sharing the economic zones already in progress with India, Japan, China, according to the FBCCI.
Ambassador Shaari appreciated Bangladesh’s impressive socio-economic development and its growth in digital arena.
The Secretary General was also delighted with FBCCI’s proposal for a D-8 Business Forum in conjunction to the D-8 Summit for next year.
He expressed his keen interest in working with the apex trade body of Bangladesh to roll out some of the new initiatives on market driven technology, skills development and investments.
FBCCI President Fahim raised the opportunity for cooperation with the D-8 for skills development, technology transfer, cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and investment in the 100 Economic Zones, manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, etc.
The meeting concluded with an agreement between the FBCCI Chief and D-8 Secretary General to intensify cooperation with a view to technology enhanced trade and investment between Bangladesh and the D-8 member countries.
An audio-visual was displayed on Bangladesh’s track record in sustainable inclusive growth trajectory and investment opportunity.
Trade relations between Bangladesh and D-8countries stands at US$ 5.35 billion with exports US$ 1billion and imports US$ 4.35 billion in FY 2018-2019, according to FBCCI.