Istanbul:Bangladesh has urged the swift finalization and implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) among D-8 member states to boost the bloc's economic potential through enhanced trade and investment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir emphasized the importance of expanding mutual tariff concessions, removing trade barriers, and undertaking institutional reforms to make the D-8 more effective. This call to action was made during a bilateral meeting with D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood on the sidelines of the 42nd COMCEC Ministerial Session in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The meeting focused on strategies to overcome existing trade barriers among member countries and strengthen mutual economic cooperation. Discussions included expanding tariff facilities and simplifying trade procedures to fully leverage the economic potential of D-8 member states.
Minister Muktadir stressed the significance of increasing trade and investment among D-8 countries, particularly in the current global economic context. He urged the D-8 Secretariat to actively work towards finalizing and implementing the FTA and PTA frameworks promptly, advocating for stronger coordination among member states.
In response, D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood assured that Bangladesh's proposals and interest in enhancing economic cooperation and intra-bloc trade would be positively considered. Senior officials from Bangladesh and the D-8 Secretariat attended the meeting. The Commerce Minister's visit to Türkiye is part of his attendance at the 42nd COMCEC Ministerial Session.