The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) expressed its eagerness to enhance bilateral trade and business between Bangladesh and Russia, news agency UNB reported.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said this during a discussion meeting with a Russian Delegation, held in FBCCI’s Gulshan office on Monday.

FBCCI Senior Vice President Md. Amin Helaly, Vice President Mohammad Anwar Sadat Sarker, Shomi Kaiser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh Alexander V. Mantytskiy, FBCCI Directors, and other dignitaries were present at the moment.

Mahbubul Alam said Bangladesh and Russia have a long history of friendly relations. Russia has gradually become a major infrastructure development and trade partner of Bangladesh.

One of the milestones of cooperation is the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is a testament to our growing partnership, he added.

Mahbubul said, “Besides RMG, there is immense potential for further growth in our bilateral trade relationship and export diversification through pharmaceuticals, light engineering goods, plastics, processed food, and other products.”

Bangladesh, with its booming economy and young workforce, offers a dynamic market for Russian goods and services.  Russia, with its vast resources and technological advancements, can be a valuable partner in Bangladesh's ongoing development journey, he said.

Bangladesh’s agro and food processing industry are now gearing up for exports, having met the domestic demand. The RMG sector is the second largest exporter to the globe after China.

Mahbubul said that among the world’s top 10 green RMG factories, the top 8 are located in Bangladesh. Renewable energy and environmentally friendly clean technology are increasing in use and popularity.

“We are the exporter/manufacturer of diversified pharmaceuticals products, leather goods, plastic, frozen seafood, ceramics, jute products, FMCG, and home appliances,” said FBCCI President.

The FBCCI President invited Russian Investors to take advantage of the Bangladeshi market and invest in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Regular trade missions, business delegations, and virtual conferences can foster direct interaction between Bangladeshi and Russian businesses, said Mahbubul Alam.

In response, the Trade Commissioner of Russia to India Dr. Alexander Rybas appreciated the development of Bangladesh in recent years. As both countries have mutual interests in trade and business, it is time for both countries to strengthen bilateral trade.

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh Alexander V. Mantytskiy said that Russia and Bangladesh have enjoyed tremendous friendship for a very long time.

Bangladesh is the second largest trade partner of Russia in the South Asian region. The business relations between the two countries are growing rapidly. Like Bangladesh, Russia is also eager to facilitate B2B meetings between the entrepreneurs of the two nations, said the Russian Ambassador.

bd-pratidin/GR