A delegation of ICC Bangladesh, led by its president Mahbubur Rahman held a meeting with Austrade in Sydney recently.
During the meeting discussions were held on promotion of private sector trade and investment in both the countries. A number of areas including export of garments, pharmaceuticals and leather products from Bangladesh were discussed.
Mr Mahbbur Rahman informed that the government is going to set up 100 export processing zones and also allowed setting up private export processing zones. He mentioned that South Korea has already set up an export processing zone.
"Exclusive export processing zones are also going to be set up by China, India and Japan. So, Australia can also take the advantage of setting up export processing zone in Bangladesh and take the advantage of the facilities extended by the Government of Bangladesh. Besides, there are vast investment opportunities in infrastructure including energy," Mr Mahbbur Rahman said, according to a statement.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Kazi Imtiaz Hossain briefed the Austrade officials about the government policies for attracting Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI). He mentioned that Bangladesh has most favourable investment policies and 100 percent ownership and repatriation of profits by foreign investors. He said that Bangladesh High Commission will welcome visit by Australian trade delegation to Bangladesh to explore investment opportunities.
General Manager Asia of Austrade Ms. Liu Bing thanked the Bangladesh High Commissioner and ICC Bangladesh president Mahbubur Rahman for visiting Austrade, Sydney office and giving them the opportunity of exchanging views and discussing on various areas where Australian companies could explore the possibilities of investing in Bangladesh.
ICC Bangladesh members expressed the interest for increasing cotton imports from Australia for the garment industries, setting healthcare facilities jointly with Australia, investment in Australia for cotton cultivation for exporting to Bangladesh.
Mr Mahbubur Rahman suggested to Austrade for arranging a visit by a business delegation from Australia to Bangladesh to explore possible areas of investment and also promotion of trade.
The meeting was also attended by ICC Bangladesh Vice President and Arlinks Limited Chairman Rokia Afzal Rahman, ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member and Hameem Group Managing Director A.K. Azad; ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member & Managing Director of Plummy Fashions Md. Fazlul Hoque, Chairman of MIDAS & Shasha Denims and Grameen Telecom Trust Managing Director Parveen Mahmud, ICC Bangladesh Secretary General Ataur Rahman and First Secretary of Bangladesh High Commission in Australia Ms. Farida Yasmeen.
From Austrade side the meeting was attended by Assistant Director ( Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, South Asia Branch of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kavitha Kasynathan, Austrade Trade Advisor( Advisory Services and Consumer) Joel Smouha, Trade Advisor (Food &Agriculture- Meat and Grains) Sam Guedouard, Senior Trade Advisor (International Health) Abdul Ekram and Executive Officer for Asia International Operations Group Jessica Harrison.
A 14-member ICC Bangladesh was in Sydney for attending the 10th World Chambers Congress held on 19-21 September.
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
