FBCCI President Sheikh F Fahim has urged the D-8 countries to develop an exclusive D-8 economic zone in Bangladesh and expand cooperation in knowledge transfer for market driven technologies with a view to developing stronger trade and investment relations with D-8 countries.
Fahim expressed the need while exchanging views with the visiting Secretary General of D-8, Ambassador Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari at the Federation Bhaban, Matijheel in the capital on Monday. Addressing on the occasion, D-8 Secretary General, Ambassador Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari praised the impressive socio-economic development and digital footprint of Bangladesh.
He said the country as a cofounder of D-8 has the potential to enhance its relations with the D-8 countries in trade and investment and discussed in detail about a range of new initiatives to be launched at the D-8 Summit next year. The Secretary General was shown his keen interest about the FBCCI’s proposal for a D-8 Business forum in conjunction to the D-8 Summit for next year, expressing that that they are interested to work with the umbrella trade organization to roll out some of the new initiatives relating to fintech, market driven technology, skills development, investments reforms among others.
FBCCI President Sheikh F Fahim highlighted FBCCI’s role as the apex trade body of Bangladesh working closely with policy makers, stakeholders at the national and international platforms including enhanced engagements with UN, WTO, ITC, in addition to earlier international engagements such as ICC, SRCIC (Silk route), SCCI & over 97 working relations with international counterparts.
FBCCI Chief also emphasized on the importance of branding Bangladesh’s stable macro-economic growth trajectory and development that has not been portrayed adequately. He also mentioned about the opportunity for cooperation with the D-8 for skills development, technology transfer, cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and investment in the 100 Economic Zones, manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, etc.
The meeting concluded with an agreement between the FBCCI Chief and D-8 Secretary General to intensify cooperation with a view to technology enhanced trade and investment between Bangladesh and the D-8 member countries. An audio-visual displayed Bangladesh’s track record in sustainable inclusive growth trajectory & upcoming investment opportunity.
Trade relations betweenBangladesh and D-8countries that at present which stands at US$ 5.35bn with exports US$ 1bn and imports US$ 4.35bn in FY 2018-2019.