Finance
Bangladesh-Iran PM proposes to increase bilateral trade with Iran
Dhaka, April 18: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it is important to take more initiatives to increase bilateral trade and business between Bangladesh and Iran. The Prime Minister expressed this opinion when Iranian President Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi called her on Monday afternoon.
Pointing out that bilateral trade volume between the two countries is far below the actual potential, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need to form a Joint Business Commission (JBC) between the chamber organizations of the two countries during the conversation. This was informed in a press release from the Prime Minister's Press Wing.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for regular Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings. Informing that Bangladesh is working to convene the sixth meeting in Tehran sometime this year, she said, "Hoping that the JEC platform will help both sides explore ways to overcome trade barriers, existing international sanctions and restrictions on bank transactions."
The Prime Minister also said that the strong foundation of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Iran is the common history, faith and culture of both the countries. Highlighting Bangladesh's growing production capacity, she said her country could be a source of quality imports at quantitative prices.
The Prime Minister also said that Bangladesh has developed world-class apparel/textile products, porcelain, pharmaceuticals, frozen fish and seafood, leather products, jute/kenaf yarn, IT, light engineering, small and medium-sized products in the markets of western countries, especially in Europe, the United States and other countries. Exporting ships, agricultural products and more. She expressed Bangladesh's interest and ability to export those products to Iran as well.
During the teleconference, the Prime Minister recalled that Bangladesh and Iran, being members of OIC and D-8, have supported each other many times. She reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to extend support to Iran at multilateral platforms, particularly the United Nations. In this context, she mentioned Bangladesh's vote against Canada's proposal in the Human Rights Council.
After a long 22-minute telephone conversation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina invited the Iranian President to visit Bangladesh at his convenience. She wished him and the fraternal people of Iran an Eid-ul-Fitr in advance.
