Iran is very keen to invest in the field of infrastructure, agriculture, transport and tourism in Bangladesh.
The Iranian businessmen showed their interest at a meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at his office yesterday in the capital.
A business delegation met the minister under the leadership of Mohammad Reza Moudoody, adviser to Iran’s Industries, Mines and Commerce minister, at his office yesterday.
“Iran wants to increase trade and commerce with Bangladesh through investment in the field of infrastructure, agriculture, transport and tourism, Tofail told reporters after the meeting yesterday.
It also expressed interest to export Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG or LP gas) to Bangladesh, which would benefit the two countries, he said.
Currently, Bangladesh exports ceramic products, plastic goods, jute products, sacks and bags, tableware and kitchenware, live animals, pharmaceuticals, live animals, jersey and clothing products to Iran.
According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh fetched $50 million, exporting several goods in last fiscal year while in the first half of current fiscal year it earned $20.16 million.
There is a huge demand of Bangladeshi products, especially RMG products, medicine and jute goods in Iran, Tofail said, adding that trade with Iran is in a very small scale, but it is high time the two countries geared up to boost business ties.
“We will take measures after talks with the business delegation.”
Currently, Bangladesh imports 50% fuel oil through direct international tendering system and 50% through B2B negotiation, he said in reply to a question.
Iran wants to form a committee consisting of business people from both countries to set business strategy and standard of products, the minister added.
More companies of the Islamic republic of Iran will participate in Dhaka International Trade Fair next year, said Tofail.