Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has sought cooperation from Russian government for the direct export of readymade garments and other products.
"Russia is a close friend of Bangladesh. Due to transactions in banking channels and some tariff complications, it is not being possible to increase trade with Russia. There is a huge demand for various products including garments made in Bangladesh in the Russian market. Due to various complications, Bangladeshi-made garments are being exported to the Russian market through other countries", minister added.
The Commerce Minister made the remarks while exchanging views with newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy in the minister’s office room at Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on Monday.
The Commerce Minister said that the complications have been identified and efforts are being made to resolve them. If the problems are solved, it will be possible to export a large quantity of Bangladeshi products to the Russian market. The cooperation of the Russian government is required for the direct export of readymade garments and other products.
The Russian Ambassador said that Russia attaches special importance to Bangladesh.
“Russia is keen to increase trade and investment with Bangladesh. There is a lot of demand for Bangladeshi products in Russia. Trade and investment in both countries will increase if the ongoing trade barriers are removed. The Russian government is sincere in overcoming the ongoing problems. Russia wants to be a partner in the development of Bangladesh,” he said.
The Commerce Minister said Bangladesh is moving forward at a fast pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Bangladesh is now implementing big development projects. Bangladesh is now able to supply high quality products at competitive prices. Demand for Bangladeshi products is increasing worldwide. With the cooperation of Russia, Bangladesh is interested in increasing exports to Russia, Eurasian Economic Union and other CIS countries”, he said.
Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Additional Secretary (Exports) Hafizur Rahman, Additional Secretary (FTA) Nur Md Mahbubul Haque and other senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce were present during this time.
