Philippines wants to import more medicines from BD

The Philippines has expressed its interest to import more medicines from Bangladesh, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Wednesday. The Southeast Asian country also expressed its willingness to invest in some sectors, including agro processing and leather sectors, he told reporters after a meeting with Philippines Ambassador in Dhaka Vicente Vivencio T Bandillo at the secretariat office of the minister. The minister said Bangladesh earns only US$ 7.0 million through exporting medicines to the Philippines, but it has a potential to export more. The government will take necessary steps in this regard, he added. The Philippines will also invest in special economic zones, he said, adding that some people of that country have been working in Bangladesh. The minister said Bangladesh has little trade with the Southeast Asian country. A few items such as garments accessories and medicines are being exported to the Philippines. In the financial year 2017-2018, Bangladesh exported goods worth over US$47.04 million to the Philippines and the imports from that country stood at US$8.07 million, he said. Both Bangladesh and the Philippines eagerly want to expand the bilateral trade and they will take necessary measures to this end, said the minister. Md Mofizul Islam, secretary at the ministry of commerce (MoC), was present at the meeting.— FE Report