United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Monday urged business leaders from Bangladesh and Pakistan to come forward to achieve the desired trade goals relating to trade and investment between the two countries. “The Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral trade relations and enhancing economic cooperation. This forum will serve as a platform for connecting business institutions and trade organisations from both countries, promoting trade, and exploring investment opportunities,” he said. The commerce adviser made the call while speaking at the inauguration of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka, as chief guest. He also stressed the importance of increasing connectivity between the peoples of both countries. The tariff and non-tariff barriers between Bangladesh and Pakistan should be discussed and how to rationalize it must be found out,” said the adviser. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Pakistan Ready-Made Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), in a bid to strengthen bilateral trade between the two countries. Administrator and Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Md. Anwar Hossain and Vice Chairman of PRGMEA, Amir Reyaz Chottani, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said Bangladesh has a clear roadmap to implement conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) as the country has the full admiration to it. He said this when European Union Ambassador and head of delegation Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Dhaka on Tuesday. Bashir Uddin issues like bilateral trade, increased mutual cooperation, and implementation of the ILO convention and return of laundered money came up at the meeting for discussion. The adviser said Bangladesh has a huge population, mostly of youths, and the government wants an economic emancipation by utilising them after making them skilled human resources. Addressing the price hike of commodities, the adviser said they slapped tax on import to stablise local market. Read more: Bangladesh, South Korea eye stronger ties through bilateral trade and investment The European Union Ambassador said the free trade contract between the countries will play a vital role in speeding up the trade. The direct investment from Europe to Bangladesh will escalate if the atmosphere of investment is developed. Michael Miller expressed keenness in assisting Bangladesh in returning back the laundered and stolen money by logistics and experts.