Afghanistan keen to strengthen bilateral trade with Bangladesh
Afghanistan has expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral trade with Bangladesh, with a focus on importing Bangladeshi readymade garments and exporting a range of agricultural and traditional products, Bangladesh's officials said.
The issue was discussed at a meeting in Dhaka on Monday between Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mawlavi Ahmedullah Zahid, at the Secretariat. Senior Afghan business leaders were also present.
According to officials, the Afghan side showed particular interest in sourcing Bangladeshi RMG products to meet domestic demand, while proposing exports of cotton, dry fruits, peanuts and other farm goods. Afghan business representatives are expected to hold separate meetings with Bangladeshi importers and exporters to explore concrete trade deals and logistics arrangements.
The discussions took place during the visit of a large Afghan delegation to Bangladesh, which is attending the Dhaka International Trade Fair. Commerce ministry sources said that although Bangladesh does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, economic engagement has continued through trade fairs and business-to-business contacts.
The visiting delegation, comprising around 50 members, is also examining ways to simplify import-export procedures, reduce trade barriers and explore joint investment opportunities. Officials said enhanced trade could help diversify Bangladesh’s export markets while giving Afghanistan greater access to competitively priced consumer goods and textiles.
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