Foreign Ministry hosted an inter-ministerial meeting on Wednesday. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2025 (BSS) – Dhaka has renewed its effort to explore opportunities in Africa by facilitating constructive dialogue and supporting the efforts of Bangladeshi businesses there. 
 
As part of the endeavor, the foreign ministry hosted an inter-ministerial meeting in this regard on Wednesday, chaired by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, said a ministry press release here today.    

This pioneering meeting, the first of its kind, focused on how Bangladesh Missions in Africa, in coordination with the relevant Ministries and Agencies here, can facilitate the import of agro-products, including cotton, from Africa. 

The meeting also discussed how Bangladeshi embassies in Africa also encouraging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to expand their presence on the continent.

Discussions centered on addressing challenges faced by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs operating in Africa and exploring actionable solutions. 

Key proposals included the establishment of free zones for importing agro products, simplification of the Letter of Credit (LC) process, and exploring fund support options through Bangladesh Bank.

Representatives from the Commerce, Agriculture, Textiles and Jute ministries, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Cotton Association, Cotton Development Board, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association participated in the discussions. 

Entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural production in African countries, including cotton and lentils, shared their valuable insights and highlighted the challenges they are facing.