Hong kong: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called for increasing diversified and high-value exports to Hong Kong, including fresh fruits, jute, and leather goods, to reduce Bangladesh's trade deficit with the territory. He made the call at a meeting with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Executive Director Sophia Chong on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre here. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the need for Bangladesh to reduce its dependence on readymade garments and expand its exports to gain greater direct access to the Hong Kong market. Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Hong Kong stood at $415 million in the fiscal year 2024-25, with Bangladesh importing goods worth $307 million and exporting $108 million. The exports to Hong Kong increased slightly to $109.51 million in the fiscal year 2025-26. Muktadir stressed the need for greater direct access for Bangladeshi pro ducts to the Hong Kong market to narrow the trade gap. At the meeting, he proposed arranging business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking programs to connect Bangladeshi exporters of premium fruits, such as mango, jackfruit, and lemon, with Hong Kong supermarkets and major importers. He also highlighted the potential for expanding the market for Bangladesh's eco-friendly and biodegradable jute products in Hong Kong's green retail and design sectors. Furthermore, Muktadir proposed subsidized or free exhibition stalls for Bangladeshi small and medium enterprises at international trade fairs, the introduction of electronic certificates of origin, modernization of customs procedures, and improvements in joint shipping and logistics facilities. He expressed Bangladesh's interest in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong on bilateral trade and investment to address challenges arising from Bangladesh's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. The minister stated that Bangladesh aim s to use Hong Kong as a gateway to southern China and the Greater Bay Area to develop new trade and investment partnerships. Sophia Chong welcomed Bangladesh's proposals and stressed the need for increased direct contacts and experience-sharing between businesses of the two sides. She noted significant opportunities to expand cooperation in readymade garments, textiles, leather goods, and information technology. At the end of the meeting, Muktadir invited a high-level HKTDC business delegation, led by Sophia Chong, to visit Bangladesh.
