CCCI holds virtual meeting over Japan-Bangladesh trade relations

The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), Dhaka and Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Industry (JBCCI) jointly held an opinion exchange meeting through videoconferencing with a view to preparing a roadmap of the two countries' trade relations.

The meeting titled "50th anniversary of Japan-Bangladesh Friendship: Plans for the next decade" discussed the possibility of launching joint projects with CCCI President Mahbubul Alam in the chair, read a press release issued on Saturday.

Chittagong Chamber Directors Shahriar Jahan and Syed Mohammad Tanvir, JBCCI President and Jetro ​​Country Representative in Dhaka Yuji Ando, JBCCI Vice President Shariful Alam and Secretary Tarek Bhuiyan, Chittagong Chamber Secretary-in-Charge Engineer Mohammad Faruque and Bangladesh Center of Excellence (BCE) Chief Executive Wasfi Tamim participated in the meeting.

At the beginning of his speech, CCCI President Mahbubul Alam expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for its long-term contribution to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and thanked the JETRO and JBCCI delegates for participating in the exchange of views.

Mahbubul Alam said that Japan is of utmost importance to the Bangladesh government, citing the specialised economic zone and Big-B initiative under construction for Japanese entrepreneurs at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

He proposed signing a memorandum of understanding with JETRO and JBCCI to develop bilateral trade and increase investment, as well as to form a working committee comprising of the private sector, embassies and economic wings of both the countries to provide comprehensive guidance.

UG Ando, ​​Bangladesh Jetro country representative and JBCCI president said that Japanese businessmen consider the market of Bangladesh as very promising and are interested in investing in this country. He sought the assistance of the CCCI President in discussions with the stakeholders on improving the business environment, including the removal of barriers to foreign investment and the formulation of necessary policies.

 The JETRO representative welcomed the CCCI president's proposal and hoped that such an integrated initiative would help Bangladesh increase Japanese investment, create new opportunities, facilitate existing businesses and go a long way.