Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday day said Bangladesh is making rapid progress in export trade and the country has been the second largest exporter of readymade garments in the world.
The minister made the remarks at a Zoom Platform meeting with Algerian Envoy to Bangladesh Rabah Larbi from office room of his official residence in the city.
Minister said Algeria has a huge demand for Bangladeshi-made garments, jute and leather products, tobacco and furniture so Bangladesh wants to increase its exports to Algeria.
He said Algeria have agreed to ink an agreement to increase bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Bangladesh.
“Algeria is a friend of Bangladesh. An agreement was inked between the two countries in 1973 to increase trade and economic cooperation. Bangladesh is keen to increase trade and economic cooperation with Algeria. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will be signed through negotiations between the two countries. At the same time, any aspect of the 1973 agreement will be amended if necessary,” he said.
Tipu said both countries have opportunities to increase trade and Bangladesh wants to take advantage of this opportunity.
He mentioned that it will be possible to increase export trade through exchange of visits of traders of both the countries.
“If the Covid-19 situation improves, necessary steps will be taken through direct talks between the two countries,” he added.
Rabah Larbi said Algeria is interested in increasing trade with Bangladesh. “An agreement was inked in 1973 to increase trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. At the moment the trade volume between the two countries is very low. Algeria is ready to sign FTA or PTA with Bangladesh to increase trade,” he added.
He informed that the decision will be taken through discussions between the two countries.
“There is a huge demand for several Bangladeshi products in Algeria. Algeria wants to take the initiative and do everything necessary through discussions with businessmen from both countries, he added.