In an effort to consolidate the existing diplomatic relationships between the two countries, France has expressed interest in bolstering its cooperation with Bangladesh for mutual economic and social benefits.
With an export of around $1.73 billion in 2020, France is one of the biggest trade partners of Bangladesh with a particular emphasis on RMG products and knitwear. As we look into growing and diversifying our economy in sustainable ways, deepening our already existing diplomatic relationships is the obvious step to take.
On that note, the fact that France is keen on doing the same and this is an announcement that has come from the French diplomat to Dhaka is an encouraging sign.
The timing of this announcement is especially auspicious given Bangladesh’s push in both the pharmaceutical and the electronic industries. France exports a lot of the raw ingredients that are necessary for these industries to Bangladesh. Given a deeper commitment to cooperation, we can expect there to be industry-level knowledge sharing and facilitation between the two countries.
Our relationship with France is also important given the fact that they are one of the only countries in the world we share archaeological cooperation with as well. As we look into the diversification of our economy, industries like the arts and archaeology will become more and more important. France already has a cooperative project with Bangladesh in Mahasthangarh, and a lot of our local film production has been made with the grants available from the country. As our relationship gets deeper, we can expect even more growth in these sectors.
