Bangladesh is going to host a four-day single country trade show in South Africa to showcase products as part of its efforts to explore new markets.
“Branding Bangladesh Trade Show in South Africa” will be held at Cape Town from June 3-4, where about 70 participants would exhibit their products. Branding Bangladesh is the organiser of the show.
Business stressed the need for a High Commission of South Africa in Bangladesh to boost bilateral business.
Complexity in getting visa of South Africa and high tax to enter into the African markets are the barriers to increase exports, BGMEA Vice President SM Mannan Kochi told a press conference at National Press Club.
Currently, the exporters have to pay 30-40% tax for exporting products to South African countries.
Noor-E Helal Saifur Rahman, Director General (Africa wing) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the South Africa has given assurance that it would establish mission in Bangladesh this year and the issue would be confirmed after its election to be held on June 7.
A participant has to pay Tk3 lakh for a stall and two people would be allowed per stall, said Mohammad Zahid Hossain, organising partner of the show.
The package would include visa processing, establishment of stalls, legal support and publicity facilities, he said.
The show is aimed at showcasing the Bangladesh products and there will have business-to-business meeting to become familiar with the business environment, said Zahid.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, High Commission of Bangladesh in South Africa, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in association with BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), Banglacraft and Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association jointly are organising the show.
In the last fiscal year, Bangladesh’s export earnings from garment sector stood at $57.7 million and total export valued $65 million.