State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said Bangladesh and South Africa have common socio-economic development objectives and there are huge potentials to boost trade and investment, reports UNB.
He observed that visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders and agreement on avoidance of double taxation between Bangladesh and South Africa will facilitate contacts and increase trade and investment between the two countries.
The state minister had bilateral talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa Candith Mashego Dlamini in Pretoria on Friday and discussed areas of cooperation.
Referring to his meeting with the Business Unity South Africa which took place on Thursday, Shahriar Alam said the organization has shown interest in working with Bangladeshi chambers.
He expressed hope that with mutual efforts, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and South Africa may be enhanced to one billion dollars.
The state minister proposed formation of a Bangladesh-South Africa business council comprising different chamber officials and businessmen to assess potentials and discuss business matters.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa Dlamini referred to the recent high level visits that took place between Bangladesh and South Africa.
She said both South African and Bangladeshis are resilient and enterprising people.
Dlamini underlined more cooperation in trade and economic areas between Bangladesh and South Africa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She welcomed Bangladeshis to invest in tourism, textiles and other sectors in South Africa.
Dlamini remarked that as both sides have identified areas with potential, institutional cooperation should be enhanced to further develop the relations.
The deputy foreign minister cited that trade and Investment, culture, social development, textiles, climate change, energy security and commodity supply chain areas are the most promising areas of cooperation.
She underlined the need of holding regular foreign office meetings between the two countries.
Dlamini viewed that air service connectivity and B2B contacts would help develop business relations and contacts.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
