Diplomatic Desk:
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister of Commerce, Textiles & Jute, and Industries, has emphasized advancing discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey and enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. Beyond expanding bilateral economic ties, the discussion also explored the potential to leverage Turkey’s expertise and capabilities in managing hazardous industrial waste.
On Monday afternoon (October 5, 2026), the Minister met with Ramis Şen, the Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka, at the Ministry of Industries. Key topics included the FTA, business linkages for fruit imports, and Bangladesh’s participation in international trade conferences.
Both sides reviewed the progress of discussions regarding the FTA. Khandaker Abdul Muktadir expressed interest in holding a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart and meeting with investment agencies during his upcoming visit to Turkey. Both parties expressed optimism about further strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
To boost business connections regarding fruit imports, Bangladesh requested details and contact information for Turkish fruit export organizations. Discussions were held on disseminating this information to relevant local businesspeople through the Ministry of Commerce.
The management of hazardous waste from the electronics and ship-breaking industries was also a key focus of the meeting. Discussions covered potential cooperation regarding specialized facilities—specifically TSDFs (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities)—in Turkey for the treatment, storage, and disposal of such waste.
Regarding the leather industry, the Turkish Ambassador noted that leather processing and tannery operations in his country have declined due to environmental concerns, while the use of synthetic leather and the import of raw materials have increased.
The Ambassador invited Bangladesh to participate in the upcoming ministerial conference under COMCEC, as well as the World Halal Industrial Summit and Halal Expo. Bangladesh confirmed that the Commerce Minister would attend the main COMCEC conference, while other representatives from Bangladesh would attend the subsequent conference. Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries; the Economic Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy; and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industries were present at the meeting.
