Trade with Italy will rise to $2b in next 3 years : Tofail

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Thursday the volume of trade between Bangladesh and Italy would increase to US $ 2 billion (200 crore) within the next two to three years.
"Our export to Italy has increased US $ 300 million within one year compared to the shipment of goods during the fiscal year (FY) 2012-13. We hope that the bilateral trade will reach $ 2 billion within the next two to three years," he told journalists after a meeting with the visiting deputy foreign minister of the Republic of Italy Sen. Benedetto Della Vedova at his Bangladesh Secretariat office on the day.  
He said Bangladesh exported goods to Italy worth $ 1332.39 million and imported goods worth $ 287.60 million during fiscal year (FY) 2013-14.  During the FY 2012-13 the country exported goods to Italy was worth $ 1036.60 million and imported $ 250 million goods, showing the balance of trade tilting in favour of Bangladesh.
The major export items to Italy are: knitwear, woven, leather and leather goods, tobacco, footwear (leather), shrimps and edible vegetable while imported items like machinery and mechanical appliances and electrical machinery etc.
Mr Ahmed said the country will participate in an expo in Milano, Italy in May next.
Replying to a question about export of Hilsha to India amid the Paschimbanga chief minister Mamata Banerjee's visit in Bangladesh, he said, "We did not take any decision for exporting the fish to India".
He blamed the BNP- led 20-paryt alliance for hampering the economic growth of the country. He, however, hoped that the present political situation will be normalised soon.
He, hoped that the land boundary treaty and sharing of Teesta river water with India will be resolved.  
    talhabinhabib@yahoo.com