Bangladesh and Brazil see immense trade potential in trade between the two countries. Some of the sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, jute and jute goods, ready-made garments, food, and agricultural products hold immense trade potential for both Bangladesh and Brazil. Special trade agreements like FTA, and PTA are necessary to accelerate the business between the two countries.
These words came up at the seminar and a B2B (business to business) match-making event organized jointly by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) at the Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Monday (April 8, 2024) afternoon. FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam chaired the meeting.
While speaking as the Special Guest, the State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu said, that Bangladesh is now considered as the role model of the world for its Socio-economic development, sustainable growth, women empowerment, poverty reduction, climate change mitigation, ICT and e-governance.
Ahasanul Islam Titu said, Bangladesh is the world’s 2nd largest apparel exporter after China. We are also the largest producer of raw jute (the best environment-friendly fiber), 3rd largest rice producer, 3rd largest vegetable and freshwater fish producer. This growth is fueled by major development in infrastructure and the best uses of our resources. Brazil being the most influential country of South America, a rising economic power of BRIC countries, could be a new front for trade and investment from Bangladesh, he added.
State Minister for Commerce said, Geographical advantage also makes Bangladesh, the gateway of South Asia and ASEAN countries and very close connectivity with India specially its North east part and China through Kunming. Considering the said development and a business hub, Brazil can choose Bangladesh as their next destination for trade and investment. it is high time we take necessary steps to enhance our trade and investment tapping into each other’s strengths.
In his speech, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said, Brazil and Bangladesh have shared over 50 years of outstanding bilateral relations. This enduring partnership has been a testament to our shared values, mutual respect, and common development goals. Bangladesh has its robust growth, strategic geographic location, and globally competitive sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology, emerging as a global economic powerhouse, he added.
FBCCI President said, Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, the architect of digital Bangladesh, we are
now role model for development. The Govt.’s vision 2041 of a SMART Bangladesh, a 100-Years Delta -2100 plan for sustainable growth with global climate change and SDG goals by 2030 serves us with strategic direction.
Brazil, with its vast natural resources, agricultural dominance and a strong industrial base, continues to be a leading economy in Latin America and the world. New set of attractive incentives/facilities, one stop service, e-platform and fin-tech facilities with strong demographic dividend are in offer to support ease of doing business, added FBCCI President.
The Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira was present as the Guest of Honor. In his speech the Brazilian Foreign Minister said, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress for last couple of years. The trade and investment scenario of the country proved to be very promising. There is huge scope where both Bangladesh and Brazil could benefit more through bilateral trade. At the same time, Brazil is eager to export meat, wheat, agricultural products and other products from Brazil. Brazil is looking forward to strengthening trade ties with Bangladesh, he added.
Brazilian Foreign Minister said, there has been great development in the logistics, transport and communication and infrastructure sectors in Bangladesh which opened up opportunities for business, trade and industrial expansion. Brazil and Bangladesh have immense potential to expand trade between each other. We want to strengthen trade relations with Bangladesh. At that time, he expressed his interest in exporting agricultural products including meat and wheat to Bangladesh.
The President of BBCCI Md. Saiful Alam conveyed the vote of thanks. Among others, the Senior Vice President of FBCCI Md. Amin Helalay, Vice President Khairul Huda Chopol, Shomi Kaiser, Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury (Ronni), Vice President of BBCCI Shahriar Ahmed, The Ambassador of Brazil in Bangladesh H.E. Paulo Fernando Dias Feres and others were present at the program.