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DCCI President made courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed paid a courtesy call on Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), GoB on July 14, 2026 at her office.

During the meeting, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed stated that, to enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global market following LDC graduation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) should play a more proactive role in facilitating the signing of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with countries offering significant trade potential. He further stressed that diversifying both export products and export destinations would be crucial for Bangladesh to effectively address the post LDC era challenges. He noted that Bangladesh has significant opportunities to expand trade and investment with countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. To tap these opportunities, he emphasized the need to further strengthen the government's economic diplomacy initiatives. Dhaka Chamber President also said that to facilitate bilateral trade and investment with African countries, particularly in contract farming, information technology, and the agricultural sector, the government may consider simplifying direct payment mechanisms.

Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government remains committed to signing trade agreements that will support the expansion of bilateral trade and investment with Africa and other promising nations with huge trade potential. She expressed the view that stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector would play a vital role in achieving positive outcomes in this regard. She further observed that African countries offer substantial market potential for Bangladeshi products such as Jute and Jute Goods, Leather and Leather Products, Pharmaceuticals, Fruits, and Ceramics. She encouraged local entrepreneurs to explore these opportunities more actively. The state minister also underscored the importance of enhancing private sector capacity to address the challenges arising from Bangladesh's post-LDC graduation, while promoting export diversification and market expansion.

DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, Secretary General (Acting) Dr. A.K.M. Asaduzzaman Patwary, and Director General (International Trade, Investment & Technology Wing), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun were also present at the meeting.

Published on: 2026-07-14