Focus on strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and Australia

FBCCI, the top organization of traders and the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh will work together to strengthen the bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and Australia.

Both feel that there is huge trade potential between Bangladesh and Australia. To exploit this trade potential of the two countries, there is no alternative to increase the communication between the businessmen of both the countries and highlight the commercial possibilities.

Australian High Commission’s delegation led by Australian High Commission’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner (South Asia) Catherine Gallaghe had a courtesy call on FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, both sides expressed their interest in the matter.

During the meeting, FBCCI president said that Bangladesh is transitioning from a less developed country to a developing country. Bangladesh has ample opportunities to export products to Canada and the European Union, but there is a huge trade deficit with Australia.

He called on the businessmen of Australia to invest in Bangladesh including setting up factories, highlighting the 100 economic zones, one-stop service and other facilities in Bangladesh along with sufficient supply of land, electricity and gas.

Catherine Gallagher stressed the importance of Bangladesh-Australia commercial relations. Appreciating the growing development of Bangladesh, he said, Bangladesh has made excellent progress in other areas including GDP.

He said that mutual communication between businessmen is very important to increase trade relations between the two countries. A business delegation from Australia will come to Bangladesh for the sectoral development of the two countries. Good work has been done between the two countries in the agriculture and education sectors and work is being done in other sectors as well.

Discussions were also held on organizing a joint seminar soon to increase trade and investment relations between Australia and Bangladesh.

Among others present during the meeting – Senior Vice President of FBCCI Md. Amin Helali, Vice President. Khairul Huda Chapal, Mohammad Anwar Sadat Sarkar, Md. Munir Hossain, Secretary General. Alamgir.

The Australian High Commission delegation included Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke, Trade Commissioner John Southwell, Dennis Eaton, Second Secretary Joshya Gakutan and Senior Director Minhaj Chowdhury.

EAR/MKR