Bangladesh renews efforts to explore opportunities in Africa
As part of its renewed initiative, the foreign ministry hosted an inter-ministerial meeting on 15 January chaired by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has renewed its efforts to explore business opportunities in Africa by addressing the existing challenges.
As part of its renewed initiative, the ministry hosted an inter-ministerial meeting on 15 January chaired by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
The meeting, the first of its kind, underscored the ministry's commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue and supporting the efforts of Bangladeshi businesses in Africa.
The discussion centred on addressing challenges faced by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs operating in Africa and exploring actionable solutions.
The meeting also focused on how Bangladesh Missions in Africa, in coordination with the relevant ministries and agencies of Bangladesh, can facilitate the import of agro-products, including cotton, from Africa, while also encouraging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to expand their presence on the continent.
Key proposals included the establishment of free zones for importing agro products, simplification of the Letter of Credit (LC) process, and exploring fund support options through Bangladesh Bank, said the MoFA on Thursday.
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Cotton Association, Cotton Development Board, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association took part in the discussions.
Entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural production in African countries, including cotton and lentils, shared their insights and highlighted the challenges they face.