Bangladesh and China have discussed promoting Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation, providing more financial support for bilateral trade, and attracting more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh. Peter Haas says he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh Both sides think it will help Bangladesh realize its export diversification strategy and benefit the Bangladeshi people. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam (Titu) on Wednesday and discussed the issues. EU to start negotiations on Partnership Cooperation Agreement very soon, says Charles Whiteley The two sides spoke highly of the major achievements in trade and investment between Bangladesh and China. They agreed to expand the scale of bilateral trade, especially the export of Bangladeshi high-quality specialty products to China. Lavrov to Hasan Mahmud: Russia-Bangladesh ties based on solid foundation of friendship

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has emphasised signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The point was raised in a meeting of the FBCCI delegation held with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Saudi Arabia on Monday. At this time, FBCCI raised the need to sign an FTA for the sake of expanding trade between the two countries. FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said business and trade patterns are changing all over the world. Along with that, new challenges are coming up. Bangladeshi businesses would take advantage of South Korea's preferential trade policy, ambassador hopes “After graduation from LDC by 2026, Bangladesh will also face several challenges. In such a situation, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia should take the initiative to sign an FTA now to take advantage of the integrated supply chain and meet the challenges of the future,” he added. Referring to Saudi Arabia as one of Bangladesh's labour force export destinations, the FBCCI president said Saudi Arabia has currently taken strong steps in high-tech infrastructure development and industrial diversification. At this point, they will need a hugely skilled workforce. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is now experiencing the benefits of the "demographic dividend". That is, the country has a large number of active, experienced, and skilled young manpower in science and technology. BGMEA President clarifies media report on ‘apparel ban’ He urged the Saudi government to expand employment opportunities for skilled young workers in Bangladesh in various sectors. It was informed in the meeting that Saudi Arabia has investment potential in several sectors, including environment-friendly energy, infrastructure, car parts, chemicals, food processing, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics in Bangladesh. At this time, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry assured Bangladesh of its cooperation in the development of port management. Sri Lanka's central bank governor reflects on keeping economy afloat during year of turmoil Besides, they will help in organising the Branding Bangladesh Expo to introduce Bangladeshi products in Saudi Arabia, they said.FBCCI Vice President Md Khairul Huda Chapal, Md. Rashedul Hossain Chowdhury Roni, Md. Munir Hossain, directors Habib Ullah Don, Hasina Newaz, Khandaker Ruhul Amin, Munal Mahbub, Md. Ali Hossain Shishir, Md. Enayet Ullah, BM Soheb, Sahidul Haque Molla, Fakhrus Salehin Nahian, Salma Hossain, Md. Amir Hossain Noorani, Md. Faizur Rahman Bhuiyan, and Syed Mohammad Bakhtiar, among others, were present.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has hoped that Argentina would support Bangladesh's initiative to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the South American regional economic organisation Mercosur during its current presidency. In response, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andres Cafiero suggested that Bangladesh pursue a preferential trade agreement (PTA) instead of FTA. Momen also requested Santiago to consider lowering the existing 35 percent duty imposed by Argentina on readymade garments (RMG) products and withdrawing $0.16 per kg anti-dumping duty on jute bags and sacks from Bangladesh to have greater market access. A 34-member high-level Argentine delegation, led by the Argentine minister, is paying a two-day state-level visit to Dhaka. Read more: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation The non-resident Argentine ambassador to Bangladesh, undersecretary of trade and chief of cabinet to the Argentine foreign minister, are also accompanying the minister. Momen received his Argentine counterpart this morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Later, Santiago led a delegation to the Brac Foundation. The purpose was to learn from the Brac development programmes and success stories focusing on women's empowerment and rural women's financial inclusion. Both sides agreed to collaborate to share knowledge on how to bring about financial inclusion in a responsible manner to pull millions of vulnerable women in rural and urban areas of Argentina out of poverty. Read More: Reopening embassy in Dhaka a stepping stone to build better ties with Bangladesh: Argentina Santiago had a meeting with Momen at state guest house Jamuna this evening. Momen expressed gratitude to the Argentine government for reopening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. The foreign minister showed interest in wider cooperation between Bangladesh and Argentina in agriculture, agro-processing, cattle and poultry industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, the ICT sector, heavy and light machinery and equipment. Santiago and Momen emphasised the importance of enhancing close collaboration to increase bilateral trade and investment. Read More: Argentina’s foreign minister in Dhaka to reopen embassy, deepen ties.

Bangladesh and Nigeria agreed to explore the possibility of signing a framework agreement on a free-trade agreement (FTA) or preferential trade agreement (PTA), the Foreign Ministry said Saturday. The sides also agreed to consider signing an agreement between the apex chambers of the two countries and establishing cooperation in the IT and ICT sectors. At the invitation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, a 17-member government and private sector delegation of Nigeria is in Dhaka now. The Nigerian delegation, led by Communication and Digital Economy Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, comprises government representatives from the economic, trade and investment department, Communication and National Identity Management commissions, the education department, the High Commission of Nigeria in New Delhi, private sector representatives from the Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum and businessmen. Read more: Bangladesh, Nigeria to explore possibility of signing framework agreement on FTA or PTA Pantami had a bilateral meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today. The commerce minister said mutual trade between Bangladesh and Nigeria is steadily growing and the Bangladesh government is making efforts to augment trade and commerce with Nigeria. Tipu said there is a huge potential for cooperation in economic areas like manufacturing and garments industries. He underlined the importance of more contacts among the chambers and businesses of the two countries and suggested the formation of a joint business council. Pantami talked about Bangladesh's excellence in the IT and garments sectors. Tipu sought continued support from the Nigerian government on the Rohingya issue as well as at different UN elections where Bangladesh has launched candidature. He also urged the Nigerian government to set up a diplomatic mission in Dhaka. Read more: Dhaka, Abuja agree to explore possibilities in contract farming, cooperation in agro, food processing

Bangladesh and Japan have discussed issues related to initiating a joint study towards concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. The two countries also discussed cooperation in different multilateral fora, including supporting each other’s candidatures. Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest. READ: Dhaka, Tokyo to work together to resolve Rohingya crisis The Foreign Minister and the Japanese Ambassador discussed issues of common interest, including exchange of high-level visits on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, Rohingya repatriation, increasing bilateral trade and Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim has said she is optimistic that Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur would soon sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade. While delivering her keynote speech at Cosmos Foundation’s virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations: Prognosis for the Future”, she also said trade and investment may determine the future course of relations between the two nations. Apart from FTA, the high commissioner said the potential areas of future collaboration are “definitely in the areas of digital economy”. “What is even more important for both countries [is] to enhance the bilateral relations on areas such as trade and investment, which may determine the direction of the relations in the next decade or so. In this regard, again, it is my hope that a FTA will be concluded between Malaysia and Bangladesh,” she said. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue that premiered on Thursday evening. The opening remarks were delivered by Cosmos Foundation Executive Director Nahar Khan.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Sunday urged the South Korean ambassador to Dhaka for more investment from his country in Bangladesh, whereby they can take advantage of the abundant and therefore cheap human resources here. “We have long-standing trade and economic relations with Korea as an important business partner and now Bangladesh would like to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the country,” he said. The commerce minister made the remarks when Korean ambassador to Dhaka Lee Jang-Keun called on him at his Secretariat office on Sunday. Also read: Bangladesh can achieve fame in global market exporting gold jewellery: Tipu Munshi In response Lee said Korea is working to set up a car-manufacturing plant in Bangladesh as Korea considers the country an important partner for increasing trade and investment. Bangladesh has made unprecedented progress in the last ten years which is now visible, said Ambassador Lee. “Korea's bilateral trade with Bangladesh is now at its peak. A number of Korean companies are working in various sectors of Bangladesh, including readymade garments and electronic products,” he added. The Korean Ambassador said that Bangladesh has successfully tackled the Covid-19 situation. Korean investors, mostly from their private sector, have invested in garment, electronics and other sectors in Bangladesh, operating several companies, which brings an opportunity to increase this investment and trade, Munshi said. Md. Hafizur Rahman, additional secretary (Export), Nur Md. Mahbubul Hoque, Additional Secretary (FTA), first secretary of Korean embassy Youngmin Seo, among others, was present in the meeting. Also read: CIP cards awarding: Businesses should prepare to compete in post-graduation period-Tipu Munshi Bangladesh exported goods to Korea worth USD $398.66 million in the fiscal year 2020-21, at the same time imported goods of $ 1126.60 million.

Bangladesh has shown interest in signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mercosur, an economic and political bloc of the big economies of South America consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strength as the second largest RMG producer and world-class pharmaceutical manufacturer, Bangladesh Ambassador to Brazil Sadia Faizunnesa has sought Brazil President Jair Messias Bolsonaro’s support to negotiate the FTA with Mercosur. The Brazilian President instructed Brazilian Foreign Minister Carlos Franca to start working towards strengthening bilateral cooperation, including trade and agriculture, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Brazil. Also read: Australia eyes new opportunities in Bangladesh's digital sector

Applauding the initiative for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said FTA would be mutually beneficial by further enhancing the bilateral trade and investment. "Singapore is an important bilateral trade and investment partner of Bangladesh," he said during a telephone conversation with his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to accelerate the process for concluding the FTA early. Dr Momen encouraged more Singaporean investors to invest in power, telecommunication, renewable energy and power transmission sectors in Bangladesh taking advantage of a very friendly investment regime in the country. Also read:Rohingya Crisis: Dhaka voices concerns over security implications in entire region While thanking the Government of Singapore for providing humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh, Dr. Momen sought Singapore’s and ASEAN’s proactive role in bringing a sustainable and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis by ensuring their urgent return to their homeland in Myanmar. Dr Vivian assured that Singapore would remain engaged on the issue and of Singapore’s continued support for a durable solution to the crisis. During the conversation, Dr Momen expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two friendly countries, mentioning that Bangladesh considers Singapore as a role model of Economic Development. The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the necessity of exploring synergies in new areas of cooperation for expanded bilateral engagement. Dr Momen noted with satisfaction Singapore government’s continuous support to the Bangladeshi expatriate workers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He suggested that Singapore may consider employing more skilled workers from Bangladesh especially in their health and other service sectors. Also read: Bangladesh needs 34,000 MW of electricity by 2030 to sustain its growth: ICCB Praising Dr Balakrishnan’s previous role as Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, Dr Momen shared the rapid digital transformation of the economy and society in Bangladesh under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’. Dr Momen sought Singaporean cooperation in the area of ICT and digitization, to which Dr. Balakrishnan responded very positively and assured of full support and assistance. Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2022, both the Ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner in both the countries. Dr Momen invited his Singaporean counterpart to visit Bangladesh. Dr Balakrishnan also extended an invitation to Dr Momen for an official visit to Singapore to kick-start the celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged greetings of the New Year and discussed the pandemic situation in their respective countries.

President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Rizwan Rahman on Monday said a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Algeria will boost bilateral trade between the two countries. Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rabah Larbi had a meeting with the DCCI President at the DCCI and discussed the issues of mutual interests. During the meeting, Rizwan Rahman said the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Algeria reached US$ 98.28 million in FY2019-20 of which, Bangladesh’s export was US$ 5.90 million and import was US$ 92.38 million. Also read: Export diversification: DCCI for comprehensive trade policy Bangladesh mainly exports RMG products to Algeria while it mainly imports mineral products from Algeria. The DCCI President requested Algeria to hire more skilled manpower and professionals from Bangladesh. He finally invited Algerian investors to register with the Bangladesh Trade and Investment Summit to be jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and DCCI. Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rabah Larbi said regular contact between the Chambers of Algeria and Bangladesh would pave the way of enhancing bilateral trade and investment. He said Bangladesh can import fertilizer, cement and fruits from Algeria and Algerian investors are keen to work in the energy sector in Bangladesh. Also read: Bangladesh can sign FTA with Thailand to boost trade: Thai envoy The envoy said Algeria is a developing country and there are huge opportunities to explore for business. Rabah Larbi appreciated DCCI’s effort to organize a business summit this month and he would request Algerian investors and traders to join this summit.