DHAKA, Aug 3, 2024 (BSS) - A 35-member business delegation of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), headed by its president Ashraf Ahmed, will leave here for Vietnam tomorrow on a five-day visit to explore new business opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and economic relationship between Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The delegation is composed of broad spectrum of exporters, importers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs encompassing financial services, agro and food-processing, tourism, healthcare, chemical, ceramic, information technology, logistics, textiles and other manufacturing industries.

According to a press release, DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed is heading one of the largest private sector-led business delegations to Vietnam in recent years with a priority to strengthen the bilateral business ties with Vietnam.

The delegation will try to explore new window of opportunity in terms of diversified export, both way trade, investment and boosting regional connectivity.

Bangladesh, the intersection between South Asia and Southeast Asia, can be one of the most attractive markets for Vietnamese investors.

Bolstering bilateral trade with Vietnam will provide Bangladesh access to new markets, especially with the members of ASEAN. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Bangladesh has yet to reach its full potential despite it is increasing trend.

The bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam in 2022-23 was only $1.10 billion. Bangladesh's exports to Vietnam were $96.22 million against the imports of $1.01 billion. There are many opportunities for commerce between Vietnam and Bangladesh as the both countries work to grow their economies.

In recent times, Vietnam has shown keen interest to improve its commercial and trade links with Bangladesh, which will create a win-win situation for the countries in the domain of bilateral trade and investment.

During this trip, the DCCI business delegation will have various high-level business meetings with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Chamber of Commerce France-Vietnam and Investment & Trade Promotion Centre including organizing Vietnam-Bangladesh Business Forum followed by B2B matchmaking sessions in Thai Binh Province and Ho Chi Minh City.

The members will also visit industrial parks and Ports in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a timely initiative for sending a business delegation that aspires to explore untapped business opportunities, yielding economic dividends of shared prosperity for the both nations.