Bangladesh and Iran can prioritize to increase intra D-8 trade and promote stronger cooperation to implement the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) among the member countries of the Developing-8 (D-8) encompassing trade, industry, agriculture, technology, science, communications and aviation, said DCCI President Rizwan Rahman.
He was addressing an interactive bilateral meeting between President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Rizwan Rahman and Ambassador of Iran in Dhaka Mansour Chavoshi at DCCI Gulshan Centre on Tuesday.
Mentioning that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Iran was USD 18.74 million in FY 2020-21. DCCI President urged for exploring the possibilities of direct shipping services between Chittagong or Mongla port and Iran’s Chabahar Port.
He also suggested to form a joint Business Forum engaging leading chambers of Bangladesh and Iran to facilitate bilateral commercial partnership and ensure greater engagement of private sector.
He requested Iran’s importers to import RMG, Jute and Jute goods, light engineering products, leather goods, tea, pharmaceuticals, ceramic, agro-processed food, electronics goods etc. from Bangladesh.
He later stressed on organizing sector specific dialogues, B2B Meetings and exchanging delegations for trade development.
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka Mansour Chavoshi urged that exchange of sector specific business people between Bangladesh and Iran will facilitate interaction and know-how among the private sector of both the countries.
Despite, the bilateral trade volume is not satisfactory, but there is huge scope to enhance the trade through different potential sectors. Both the countries may work together in the agriculture sector, he added.
Moreover, Chamber to Chamber relation is more important for the sake of boosting trade. When we will have more transactions in terms of trade and commerce in future, then a joint business council may be established, he proposed.
DCCI Vice President Monowar Hossain was also present during the meeting.