Currently, Bangladesh's 24 commercial wings are operating in 21 countries of the world to expand exports, said Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.
He made this statement in the National Assembly on Monday in response to a question from Brahmanbaria-2 constituency MP Rumeen Farhana.
The minister said, “The missions in which the commercial wings are working to expand export markets and attract investment are - Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Geneva, London, Moscow, Ankara, Canberra, Ottawa, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Beijing, Kunming, New Delhi, Kolkata, Tehran, Tokyo, Jeddah, Brasilia, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore and Dubai.”
He said, “In order to expand export markets and increase investment, the government has given priority to forming strategic free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries, economic alliances and regions of the world at bilateral and multilateral levels. Work is underway to reduce tariffs and reduce non-tariff barriers in phases, taking into account the capabilities of the agriculture, industry and service sectors, ensuring the protection of national interests. As a result, export diversity will increase and employment will be created.”
Laying emphasis on product diversification, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said, “In order to increase exports, regular participation in international trade fairs and sending trade delegations to different countries are being done. In addition, to reduce import costs, about 110 products have been exempted from duty in the national budget and 65 products have been reduced.”
Stating that the government has adopted an annual action plan to achieve the export target, the minister said that effective initiatives have been taken to resolve any complications, including commercial disputes arising between importers and exporters.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
