Afghanistan keen to strengthen bilateral trade with BD

Afghanistan has shown interest in strengthening bilateral trade with Bangladesh, including importing readymade garments (RMG) and exporting cotton, dry fruits and various agricultural products.

The attention was expressed at a meeting between Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Afghan Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce Mawlavi Ahmedullah Zahid at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Monday, officials said.

Senior Afghan business leaders were also present at the meeting, where both sides discussed ways to expand trade and commercial cooperation.

They said an Afghan delegation currently visiting Bangladesh discussed trade expansion during the meeting.

The Afghan side highlighted its interest in importing Bangladeshi RMG, while proposing exports of traditional products such as dry fruits, peanuts and cotton. Afghan business representatives are also expected to hold discussions with Bangladeshi traders on import-export opportunities.

Sources at the Ministry of Commerce said that although Bangladesh does not have formal diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, the delegation came to participate in the Dhaka International Trade Fair. During the visit, the team is holding meetings at both government and private sector levels to explore bilateral trade prospects.

The 50-member high-level delegation aims to enhance regional economic cooperation, ease import-export procedures and explore joint investment opportunities, the sources added.

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