BSS, Dhaka :
Discussants at a roundtable here Saturday stressed the need for exploring new areas for expanding and diversifying Bangladesh’s exports abroad.
At the roundtable on ‘Export Development: Attitudes of Important Countries’ here, they said Bangladesh’s export is confined to some exportable items such as garment, jute and leather and this is very risky package of export basket.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) arranged the function at its auditorium.
DCCI president M Shahjahan Khan gave the welcome speech while a number of high commissioners, envoys and commercial counsellors of various countries joined it.
DCCI vice-president Osama Tasir moderated the roundtable while Vice-president Khandaker Shahidul Islam and directors Haider Ahmod Khan and Muktar Hossain Chowdhury and S Rumi Saifullah were, among others, present.
Shahjahan Khan said foreign missions can play an important role in boosting overseas trade and diversifying exports. Bangladesh is now looking for new exportable products besides its conventional items, he said.
He stressed the need for inclusion of service sector in overseas export, resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, creating skilled manpower and implementation of commitments of World Trade Organization (WTO).
Sakib Kasim Mahadi, Iraqi Ambassador in Dhaka, said although Bangladesh and Iraq have long been maintaining friendly relations, the two-way trade is not up to the mark.
Iraq announced 130 billion US dollar budget this year, he said adding that 40 percent of the amount would be spent for attracting new investment.
Bangladeshi businessmen can invest in ceramic, medicine, leather and IT sectors in Iraq, said the envoy.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Dhaka W A Sarath K Weragoda called upon the Bangladeshi businessmen to use Lankan ports for win- win situation.
