Meeting on facilitating trade between Bangladesh and Brazil

Bangladesh and Brazil see immense trade potential in trade between the two countries. Some of the sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, jute and jute goods, ready-made garments, food, and agricultural products hold immense trade potential for both Bangladesh and Brazil. Special trade agreements like FTA and PTA are necessary to accelerate the business between the two countries. 

These words came up at the seminar and a B2B (business to business) match-making event organized jointly by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on April 8, 2024 afternoon. FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam chaired the meeting.

While speaking as the Special Guest, the State Minister for Commerce Mr. Ahasanul Islam Titu said, Bangladesh is the world’s 2nd largest apparel exporter after China. We are also the largest producer of raw jute (the best environment-friendly fiber), 3rd largest rice producer, 3rd largest vegetable and freshwater fish producer. Our economic growth is fueled by major development in infrastructure and the best uses of our resources. Brazil being the most influential country of South America, a rising economic power of BRIC countries, could be a new front for trade and investment from Bangladesh, he added.

In his speech, FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam said, Brazil and Bangladesh have shared over 50 years of outstanding bilateral relations. This enduring partnership has been a testament to our shared values, mutual respect, and common development goals. Bangladesh has its robust growth, strategic geographic location, and globally competitive sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology, emerging as a global economic powerhouse, he added.

The Foreign Minister of Brazil H.E. Mr. Mauro Vieira was present as the Guest of Honor. In his speech the Brazilian Foreign Minister said, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress for last couple of years. The trade and investment scenario of the country proved to be very promising. There is huge scope where both Bangladesh and Brazil could benefit more through bilateral trade. We want to strengthen trade relations with Bangladesh.

The President of BBCCI Mr. Shahriar Ahmed conveyed the vote of thanks at the meeting. Among others, the Senior Vice President of FBCCI Mr. Md. Amin Helalay, Vice President Mr. Khairul Huda Chopol, Ms. Shomi Kaiser, Mr. Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury (Ronni), Vice President of BBCCI Mr. Md. Saiful Alam, The Ambassador of Brazil in Bangladesh H.E. Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, FBCCI Directors, business leaders and dignitaries were present at the program.