The minister said this after holding a meeting with New Zealand Ambassador to Dhaka, Grahame Morton, at the secretariat.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), in the fiscal year 2015-16, Bangladesh exports to New Zealand stood at $73.63m, which is 47.28% higher compared to the last year’s $50m.
On the other hand, Bangladesh imported goods worth $150.40m in the same period.
“Since New Zealand offers duty-free market access for all Bangladeshi products and manufacturers especially apparel products, pharmaceuticals and leather can utilise the opportunity and expand their exports,” said Tofail Ahmed.
In the seventh five-year plan, Bangladesh has given importance on the market and product diversification and New Zealand would be in the priority chart, said the minister.
In the last five year, trade between the two countries has doubled to $224 million and is expected to double in the next five years, the envoy said.
New Zealand will help Bangladesh meet its export target and continue to do business for better trade relation.
The ambassador said Bangladesh’s export to some areas has seen growth while others sectors like pharmaceuticals and leather can also grow as there is opportunity.
Bangladesh exports knitwear products, woven garments, textile fabrics, jute yarn and twine, tobacco, sacks and bags, cap, ceramics and food items to New Zealand while imports include dairy products, live animal, vegetable products, plastic pulp, mineral products and machinery.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
