A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) headed by President Faruque Hassan met Atheer Daoud Salman Al-Ghariri, Minister of Trade, the government of Iraq at the latter’s office on August 21.

During the visit, the president was accompanied by Mohammed Nasir, former Vice President (Finance), BGMEA, Nazrul Islam, former Director, BGMEA; Ms. Sharmeen Hassan Tithi, Director, Giant Group; Mohammed Shohel, Managing Director, Bangla Poshak Ltd; Mohd Shawket Hossain, Director, Bangla Poshak; and Nisher Khan, Managing Director, Banika Fashion Ltd.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Iraq H. E. Fazlul Bari was also present at the meeting. 

During the meeting, they had discussions about possible ways of boosting bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Iraq. 

They also discussed how business interactions could be stepped up to enable businessmen and investors of both countries to identify potential sectors and make investment for mutual benefits.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan apprised the Trade Minister of Bangladesh’s increasing focus on infrastructure development, especially mega projects to upgrade road and rail connectivity alongside capacity enhancement of airports to meet the growing demand of the expanding trade and industrial sectors. 

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s steps in attracting foreign investment like special economic zones, investment-friendly policies, improved doing business environment.

The BGMEA President invited Iraqi businessmen to invest in Bangladesh taking the advantages of policies and business environment.

He pointed to the prospect of direct shipment from Bangladesh to Iraq, saying it would reduce time and freight cost for export-import cargo transportation between the two countries.

He underscored the need for initiating Dhaka-Baghdad direct flight to facilitate trade, and called on the Iraqi Minister of Trade to take necessary steps in this regard. 

He maintained that both countries have potential of boosting bilateral trade and investment, stressing the need for more cooperation.

Faruque Hassan thanked Iraq for being one of those countries which recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state early after its independence.  

The Iraqi Minister of Trade assured the BGMEA delegation of the government’s cooperation to Bangladesh’s businessmen who want to do business in Iraq.