News Flash
DHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh's engagement within the OIC region.
The MoU was signed between the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) and ICDT at the latter's office in Casablanca, Morocco, said a foreign ministry's press release here.
Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed and ICDT Director General Latifa Elbouabdellaoui signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco Sadia Faizunnesa and senior ICDT officials were present at the ceremony.
During discussions prior to the signing, the Bangladesh side highlighted that expanding trade and attracting investment remain key priorities of the present government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The delegation also urged ICDT to incorporate Bangladesh's economic sectors and sub-sectors in its research and policy advocacy initiatives to further promote the country's trade potential.
Bangladesh envoys thanked ICDT for signing the MoU, expressing hope that it would pave the way for exchange of ideas, professionals and enhanced institutional collaboration between the two organisations.
Both sides expressed optimism that the agreement would enable Bangladeshi professionals to contribute directly to ICDT's programmes.
ICDT Director General Elbouabdellaoui appreciated Bangladesh's proactive role in OIC forums and termed the MoU a historic step towards deeper cooperation.
She said ICDT is considering Bangladesh as a pilot country for trade promotion initiatives, including the possibility of designating Dhaka as a regional hub for trade and investment matchmaking activities.
She also informed that ICDT plans to update Bangladesh's country profile and initiate discussions on a trade and investment programme for 2026-27, covering branding, capacity building and trade negotiations.
The MoU will initially remain effective for two years, with scope for extension upon mutual agreement.
