Bangladesh and Iraq are keen to achieve trade and investment potential through deepening collaboration to bring benefits to both sides.

The interest was expressed when a delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) headed by President Faruque Hassan met Khaled Battal Najm Abdullah al-Jughifi, Minister of Industry and Minerals, the government of Iraq on August 21.

Other members of the delegation were 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; and Mohd Shawket Hossain, Director, Bangla; and Nisher Khan, Managing Director, Banika Fashion Ltd.

The meeting was also attended by Ambassador of Bangladesh to H. E. Iraq Fazlul Bari, and Ahmed Abdul-Jabbar Ali Al-Karim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals for Planning Affairs. 

They discussed issues of mutual interests including possible areas of cooperation, environment of doing business, trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Iraq.

They stressed on exchanging more visits by trade delegations of both countries to identify promising trade and investment sectors. Such business interactions would pave the way for enhancing trade between Bangladesh and Iraq, they opined. 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan briefed the Iraqi Minister on the investment opportunities being offered by Bangladesh alongside improved infrastructure to support expanding trade and investment.  

He invited Iraqi businessmen to visit Bangladesh to get a better understanding of the country, its business environment and export products. 

He mentioned the developments of Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector with special focus on enhanced capabilities to offer diversified apparel items including high value ones.

Highlight the prospect of Bangladesh’s RMG exports to Iraq, he sought the cooperation of the Minister in increasing market share in Iraq. 

The BGMEA President called on the Iraq government through the Minister of Industry and Minerals to make visa and consular services easier and faster for Bangladeshi businessmen to facilitate their travel to Iraq.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan expressed special thanks to the Minister for showing warm hospitality and providing VIP protocol to him along with the delegation. 

Minister Khaled Battal assured the BGMEA delegation of the support and cooperation in exploring business opportunities in Iraq.