The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) sought Swiss Investment in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development in Bangladesh, as it is the heart of heart of Bangladesh economic. FBCCI has also given stresses to increase bilateral trade and investment,which is not significant at this moment.
FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed mentioned it at a call on meeting with the newly appointed Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Fotsch on Tuesday at FBCCI Bhaban. Among others FBCCI First Vice-President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed and Director Mr. Kazi Shahnewaz were also present.
Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed appreciated the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) role in developing employment conditions, promoting income-generating activities and improving local governance. He invited the Swiss small and medium enterprises to invest in Bangladesh.
To promote bilateral economic ties and lessen the trade gap, he requested to arrange regular exchange of business delegation and B2B meetings. He also called upon Swiss Ambassador to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FBCCI & National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Switzerland.
Christian Fotsch said he would try to attract Swiss investors to invest in SMEs sectors in
Bangladesh along with large corporate sectors. He also mentioned that Swiss government will continue its supports and cooperation for Bangladesh development.
IN 2012-2013 Bangladesh export to Switzerland was only USD 121.38 million while import from Switzerland around USD 185 million. The major export items to Switzerland from Bangladesh are knitwear, woven garments, frozen food, jute & jute goods, agriculture products, chemical products and Import items from Switzerland are mechanical appliance, chemicals and allied industries products, foodstuffs, textiles, vegetables products, optical and medical instruments, plastic an drubber products, pulp of wood and related products.
