DCCI President eyes strengthening regional trade

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President, Rizwan Rahman has underscored the importance of boosting regional trade and investment with an active intervention of SAARC.
 
He made the remarks when Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Ahmed Siddqui called on him at the DCCI office on Wednesday, said a media statement.  
 
"In this new normal, businesses have started to expand, and the Bangladeshi private sector is open for all," he said adding that the participation of Pakistani entrepreneurs in the recently held 1st DCCI Business Conclave-2021 was encouraging.
 
"The DCCI Business Institute (DBI) can arrange training courses in order to boost Pakistani entrepreneurs' interest in the Bangladeshi market." 
 
"In this regard, Pakistan may sign a Preferential Trade Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement with Bangladesh to expand existing trade volumes," Rizwan Rahman continued.  
 
He also requested the high commissioner to take initiatives to reactivate MoUs signed between DCCI and different chambers in Pakistan.
 
In response, the Pakistani High Commissioner said Bangladesh has demonstrated impressive performance in different indices and Pakistan wishes to enhance its bilateral trade with Bangladesh. 
 
He pointed out that despite the existence of a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan, its last meeting was held in 2005. 
 
He urged relevant stakeholder to activate this JEC for the mutual benefit of both countries. 
 
Mr Siddiqui also mentioned that Pakistan is interested in restarting direct flights with Dhaka. 
 
To boost bilateral trade, he underscored the importance of a direct shipment facility from Karachi to Chattogram port. 
 
DCCI Senior Vice President NKA Mobin; and Vice President Monowar Hossain were also present in the meeting.