Huge potential of trade, investment between Bangladesh, Turkey exists Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Adviser for the Ministries of Commerce and Education, who was on a high-profile visit to Turkey to reinforce trade relations with Turkey, met TUSKON (one of the apex forums of Turkish businessmen based in Istanbul) in Istanbul on August 29 last.
The Adviser appreciated the economic growth of Turkey in the recent years. He forthrightly discussed the future potential of trade and investment between Bangladesh and Turkey. He stressed that people of both countries can easily the sure the historic brotherly ties for future trade and investment.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman said that that in near future Bangladesh-Turkey trade volume should be US$1 billion. In this connection the Commerce Adviser underscored the importance of direct flights between Istanbul and Dhaka to facilitate easy traffic of business delegation.
TUSKON President Rizanur Meral and present businessman appreciated the initiative of establishing direct flights between two countries.
During the meeting, Turkish businessmen expressed their interest to invest in the textile sector in Bangladesh. They informed that due to high cost of labour and energy in Turkey they were looking for alternative country to relocate their textile industries and in all consideration Bangladesh could be one of the best destinations for such relocation.
He highly appreciated their interest in Bangladesh and informed that other than cheap labour, Bangladesh offers tax holidays and other infrastructure supports for successful investment in the country.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman elucidated the potential market of 150 million people in Bangladesh to the Turkish businessmen. He stated that apart from textile, RMG, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, energy, leather and ceramic sectors could be the potential sectors for further trade and investment between two countries.
The Adviser suggested that during the 3rd session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting between Bangladesh and Turkey in the first half of 2009, businessman from both countries should highlight their experiences and suggestions for boosting the trade relations.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman invited the TUSKON delegation to visit Bangladesh at their earliest convenience.
Earlier, the Adviser met Dr Ternel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines in Istanbul. They discussed about the potential of direct fights between Istanbul and Dhaka.
President and CEO of Turkish Airlines Dr Kotil informed that after some procedural formalities Turkish Airlines would be operative to Dhaka by April 2009.
Dr Rahman was also interviewed by the TRT (Turkish National TV Channel in Istanbul), which had been widely broadcasted in Turkish electronic media.
Source: The New Nation Dated: 02-09-2008
