Dhaka:Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir emphasized the importance of advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Turkey, along with enhancing cooperation in trade and investment.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Muktadir conveyed these views during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen at the Ministry of Industries. The meeting covered topics such as the proposed FTA, business opportunities in fruit imports, and Bangladesh's involvement in international trade conferences.
The discussions also focused on leveraging Turkey's experience in managing hazardous industrial waste and expanding bilateral economic relations. Both parties expressed optimism about strengthening trade and economic cooperation through progress in FTA negotiations.
Muktadir expressed interest in meeting Turkey's trade minister and visiting the country's investment agency during his upcoming trip to Turkey. Bangladesh also sought contact information for Turkish fruit exporting organizations to bolster business links between Bangladeshi and Turkish traders, with plans to channel this information through the Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting highlighted the management of hazardous waste from the electronics and ship-breaking industries, discussing potential cooperation in developing treatment, storage, and disposal facilities in Bangladesh, using Turkey's expertise.
Addressing the leather industry, the Turkish ambassador mentioned a decline in leather processing and tannery operations in Turkey due to environmental concerns, with increased use of synthetic leather and raw material imports. He invited Bangladesh to participate in upcoming events such as the ministerial-level conference under the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), the World Halal Industrial Summit, and the Halal Expo. Bangladesh confirmed Muktadir's attendance at the main COMCEC conference, with other representatives attending the subsequent events.