Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli at the Secretariat today.
During the meeting, the two sides engaged in productive discussions on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland.
It was noted that the two countries have long maintained friendly relations. Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Bangladesh currently enjoys duty-free access to the Swiss market.
The Commerce Adviser stated that most consumers in Bangladesh are aware of the high quality of Swiss products. He emphasized that Swiss goods could attract more customers if priced competitively. He also highlighted that increasing investment in service-oriented sectors would be mutually beneficial for both countries.
Muktadir further said that the government of Bangladesh has taken several initiatives to attract foreign investment. He identified pharmaceuticals, leather goods, light engineering, and shipbuilding as promising sectors where increased Swiss investment could further strengthen bilateral trade ties.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has requested a three-year extension in its graduation process from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and expressed hope for Switzerland’s support on the matter. Strengthening connections between business communities and chambers of commerce of both countries, along with enhancing joint ventures, could significantly boost trade volume, he added.
Ambassador Reto Renggli noted that the trade imbalance between the two countries remains significant and said it could be reduced through enhanced bilateral trade cooperation. He reiterated Switzerland’s interest in increasing trade and investment in Bangladesh.
Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Secretary (Routine Charge) of the Ministry of Commerce, was also present at the meeting.
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