Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Joao Tabazara de Oliveira Jr. has said that there is a lot of potential for expanding bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil.
Mentioning that Bangladeshi products are not well known in the Brazilian market, he stressed on taking effective steps to exchange mutual information and improve relations between the two countries' traders.
In this regard, he sought the full cooperation of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The ambassador made the remarks while exchanging views with Mahbubul Alam, president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a hotel in the city on Saturday.
The Ambassador said that about 500 years ago, Bangladesh's trade and commerce with Rio de Caniro Port was in full swing.
The three leading Brazilian businessmen have expressed interest in conducting business activities jointly with Bangladeshi businessmen, the ambassador informed the chamber president that he would bring them to Bangladesh on his own initiative.
At the same time, he assured all possible cooperation of the trade delegation of Bangladeshi businessmen in visiting Brazil.
Ambassador Sandra Esteves do Andrade, Novo Group Managing Director Syed Mostafizur Rahman and Manager Ashrafuzzaman Chowdhury and Bhatiari Golf Club CEO Lt. Colonel Md. Taufiqul Islam was present.
Mahbubul Alam, president of the chamber, said that despite the potential of many Bangladeshi products, including pharmaceuticals and RMG, it is not possible to export to Brazil due to lack of direct business channels.
Both countries could benefit greatly from the import-export trade by setting up direct business channels instead of third countries.
He sought the cooperation of the Ambassador in this regard and called upon the governments of Bangladesh and Brazil to take effective measures.
Emphasizing on the importance of improving relations between the two countries to increase trade and
investment, the President of the Chamber hoped for the desired progress in bilateral economic relations in the coming days with Brazilian investment in the economic zone under construction in Mirsarai, Bangladesh.