Bangladesh urges increased Turkish investment, stresses removal of tariff barriers

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday called for increased Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s leather, non-leather, readymade garment and shipbuilding sectors, while emphasizing the need to remove existing customs barriers and reduce additional tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to Turkiye.

He made the call during a bilateral meeting with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat at Hilton Hotel in Istanbul, said a press release here.

The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, discussed opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries, as well as existing challenges.

During the meeting, Muktadir urged Turkish entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s promising industrial sectors.

He particularly highlighted the potential of the leather and non-leather goods, readymade garments and shipbuilding industries.

The commerce minister also raised concerns over existing tariff and customs-related barriers faced by Bangladeshi products in the Turkish market.

He sought the Turkish trade minister’s cooperation in removing these obstacles and reducing additional duties to facilitate greater market access for Bangladeshi products.

The two sides also discussed ways to transform the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkiye into a broader commercial partnership.

Both sides expressed positive views on expanding bilateral trade and addressing the existing barriers to trade and investment.

Senior officials from both countries were present at the meeting.

Khandakar Abdul Muktadir is visiting Turkiye to attend the 42nd COMCEC Ministerial Meeting.