Turkish businessmen and entrepreneurs see great potential in tourism, construction industry and infrastructure, energy, healthcare, shipping, airlines, information and communication technology, and agro-processing industries in Bangladesh. They expressed optimism that it is possible to increase Bangladesh-Turkey bilateral trade manifold through joint or direct investment in these sectors.
The Turkish trade delegation visiting Bangladesh made these remarks at the Bangladesh-Turkey Trade and Investment Roundtable Meeting organized at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Thursday (January 9, 2025) morning.
The roundtable meeting was presided over by Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator of The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
Turkish Minister of Trade Dr. Omer Bolat said that several Turkish companies are doing business in Bangladesh with good reputation and there is an opportunity to double Bangladesh-Turkey bilateral trade by utilizing their confidence.
He also said that Bangladesh is not just a market for Turkish businessmen, but also considered as one of the ‘business hubs’. He expressed optimism that Bangladesh and Turkey have huge trade potential in tourism, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, shipping, airlines, ICT, agro-processing industries and other potential sectors.
Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, was present as the chief guest at the roundtable meeting. Stating that there is ample opportunity to strengthen trade relations between Bangladesh and Turkey, the Trade Advisor said that Bangladesh is giving importance to economic diversification rather than relying on traditional sectors. He mentioned that joint ventures with Turkey in sectors such as pharmaceutical industry, energy, construction industry and infrastructure, tourism will be beneficial for both the countries.
In his welcome speech at the meeting, FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman said that there is a strong trade relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey. However, there are still many new and potential sectors that are unexplored to expand bilateral trade.
Md. Hafizur Rahman said that Turkey is a country with a strong and developed economy. Their cooperation in skills, technology, innovation, research, etc. is important for us. Turkey is one of the world’s partners in industries such as tourism, aviation, shipping. He called for Turkish investment in Bangladesh in these sectors. In addition, the FBCCI Administrator also emphasized the implementation of trade agreements between the two countries to expand bilateral trade.
Mr. Tamer Kiran, Vice President of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), participated in the meeting and expressed his interest in developing trade relations with Bangladesh.
The roundtable meeting was also attended by the Chairperson of the Turkey-Bangladesh Business Council, Mr. Anur Ozden, members of the Turkish delegation, former directors of FBCCI, business leaders, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), and high-ranking officials of the concerned ministries.
