Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen on Thursday said that the bilateral trade was over $1.1 billion in 2023 which was "far from reflecting our potential".
He also highlighted the measures Turkey was taking to increase the trade volume while speaking at a reception he hosted marking the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Turkey.
"We are working together with authorities of Bangladesh to increase our bilateral trade volume and enhance business to business relations between our countries," he said.
In this context, Turkey-Bangladesh Business Council in Turkey is planning to organize a visit to Bangladesh in May. Bangladesh authorities are also considering to arrange a business visit to Turkey, he said.
"There are important Turkish investments in Bangladesh. We are encouraging Turkish business community for further investments."
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Muhammad Faruk Khan, Additional Secretary of the foreign ministry Ambassador Nazrul Islam were also present, among others.
The ambassador said Turkey and Bangladesh have "strong and deep-rooted relations".
“Bangladesh's National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is one of great symbols of friendship between our countries,” he said.
"In his poem, Kemal Pasha, he expresses deep respect and appreciation of Turkish people and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey during Turkish war of independence.
"We will continue to build on strong foundations between our nations," he said.
Turkish economy continued to grow in 2023 with the trade volume reached to $617 billion and Turkish GDP was over $1 trillion.
In 2023, the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Turkey was over $1.1 billion. This figure is far from reflecting our potential, he lamented.
He said: “In the second quarter of this year, we will have political consultations of our bilateral relations.”
He said defence industry cooperation has also been improving between the countries.
Turkey has been undertaking great achievements in defence industry in recent years.
On Wednesday, Turkey's fifth generation fighter jet KAAM successfully completed its inaugural flight, marking another milestone in Turkish defence industry, he said.
Turkey is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Last year, over 55 million tourists visited Turkey.
"Turkey is one of the favourite touristic destinations for Bangladesh nationals as well."
He also pointed out the popularity of Turkish movies and serials in Bangladesh like in other parts of the world.
He also expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for the support and solidarity extended to Turkey last year after the devastating earthquake.
