A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by President Faruque Hassan met Safeen Dizayee, Minister, Department of Foreign Relations, Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil, Iraq.

The president was accompanied by Nazrul Islam, former Director, BGMEA; Sharmeen Hassan Tithi, Director, Giant Group;  Mohammed Shohel, Managing Director, Bangla Poshak Ltd; Mohd Shawket Hossain, Director, Bangla Poshak Ltd; and Nisher Khan, Managing Director, Banika Fashion Ltd at the meeting. 

H. E. Fazlul Bari, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Iraq; and Dr. Ahmed Jalal, President of Kurdistan-Bangladesh Business Council were also present at the meeting. 

They had discussions about strengthening the bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and Iraq, especially Kurdistan to unlock potential and reap mutual benefits. 

They emphasized the importance of working together to identify opportunities that both sides could make use of and create a win-win situation. 

Highlighting the trade prospects of Bangladesh-Iraq, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan underscored the need for intensifying communication between businessmen of both countries. 

He requested the Minister to make visa and consular services for Bangladeshi businessmen to facilitate their travel to Iraq.

He also called for steps to initiate direct flights between Bangladesh and Iraq to facilitate bilateral trade.

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

He expressed special thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Relations for showing warm hospitality and providing VIP protocol to him along with the delegation.