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Bangladesh’s trade with Columbia to increase to $100m by 2025

Colombian envoy says while visiting MCCI


Published : 24 Mar 2022 08:20 PM

The Ambassador of Colombia to India (accredited to Bangladesh) Mariana Pacheco-Montes has shown interest to work together with the MCCI to increase the volume of Bangladesh Columbia bi-lateral trade to $100 million by 2025, which was standing at around $36 million.

The Ambassador made this gesture while he visited the Gulshan office of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka, according to a press release. 

The MCCI’s Board of Directors led by its President Md. Saiful Islam warmly received the Ambassador. The other members of the team were Senior Vice-President Kamran T. Rahman, Vice President Habibullah N. Karim, and Director Anis A. Khan. 

The President requested the Ambassador to transfer of knowhow, especially in the agricultural sector, mentioning that Colombia is world famous for its premium class coffee, so a transfer of knowledge here could help Bangladesh produce similar coffee.

The President thanked the Ambassador for visiting MCCI’s Office. He also acknowledged and thanked the Colombian Government for its consistent support to the UN on the Rohingya issue. The Ambassador acknowledged that refugee crisis was common in Colombia too as they also had over two million refugees from Venezuela. She ensured Colombia’s continuous support for this cause.

The President emphasized the bilateral trade volume of Colombia and Bangladesh, which was standing at around USD 36 million. 

The Ambassador acknowledged and appreciated how Bangladesh and Colombia both had grown during the last few years. She pointed out that Colombia could carry out value addition in Bangladesh for their fashion industry items.

These goods could eventually find export markets covered by Colombia’s Free Trade Agreements. She also promised to arrange a business mission from Colombia to visit Bangladesh, especially from the fashion sector.

The Ambassador was very receptive and keen to interact on all issues of mutual interest. She expressed her interest in carrying out frequent Bangladesh visits and take the bilateral relationship to the next level. 

Finally, both sides unanimously agreed to have more frequent interaction and exchange views regularly.