Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has sought French support in obtaining GSP plus trade privilege following LDC graduation in 2026 and the expiry of a three-year additional transition period.
He was speaking as the special guest at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the France-Bangladesh diplomatic relations organized by France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) at a city hotel on Saturday night.
Bangladesh is set to leave the least developed countries (LDC) group to join the developing-country-club by 2026 and is likely to experience challenges unless trade-related international support measures are continued by the developed countries like the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. “ There is a pressing need to further diversify our trade basket, especially our exports , through inclusion of non-traditional items. In the near term, we may have to brace for facing the exogenous shocks from the armed conflicts in Ukraine through cooperation with our development partners including France, said Masud Bin Momen.
“we must also give added attention to trade facilitation measures . We should think of establishing direct air and port connectivity between two countries as a matter of priority, Masud Bin Momen.
The recent introduction of direct shipping between Chattogram Port and Ravenna port in Italy must be sustained, with addition of other European ports, he added.
“On our part, Bangladesh welcomes France’s enhanced engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, in pursuit of inclusive and shared peace and prosperity for all”
Bangladesh is also interested in increasing air cargo operations with Europe, with active French support, he added. Deputy Head of French Mission in Bangladesh Guillaume Audren de Kerdrel in his speech said that French imports of Bangladeshi products recorded a 26 per cent growth year-to-year and set a historical record by reaching over 3.00 billion euros. However, French exports to Bangladesh decreased for the second consecutive year by 20 per cent and recorded below under 200 million euros.
“ The common vision of a French -Bangladesh partnership took hard work, patience and significant resources to accomplish. As a result of our fifty years of cooperation, we are proud to have earned the confidence and friendship of the people of Bangladesh, Guillaume Audren de Kerdrel said.
The French CDA said “Bangladesh is also a significant partner in terms of bilateral trade. France along with Agence Francaise de Development has been an ally in the vast programme of modernization of infrastructures in particular in the fields of energy, transportation, communication, health, water and sanitation. President of CCIFB Syed Mahmudul Huq gave the welcome speech while Vice President of CCIFB Moshiur Rahman gave a vote of thanks.
