Baghdad:Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have engaged in discussions about the possibility of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade and investment. The two countries are seeking to deepen their economic cooperation and strengthen business ties.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions took place during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, and Uzbekistan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Aloyev Bakhromjon Juraboyevich. The meeting occurred in Baghdad, Iraq, on the sidelines of the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The ministers explored opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investment through closer cooperation between their business communities. They highlighted the potential of a free trade agreement as a mechanism to facilitate greater market access and strengthen commercial relations between the two nations. Discussions also covered advancing cooperation in areas such as air connectivity, tourism, and business-to-business contacts.
Both sides emphasized the importance of direct engagement between entrepreneurs and business communities to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment. Additionally, they discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in multilateral forums, including reciprocal support on issues of mutual interest. The talks reflected a mutual interest in broadening the bilateral relationship through stronger economic partnerships and cooperation in connectivity and tourism.
State Minister Humaiun Kobir is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, which is being held in Baghdad from October 17 to 18, where he presented Bangladesh's country statement at the plenary session.