The New Nation - Internet Edition

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and 15-member Iranian Business delegation held talks on bilateral matter at the auditorium of the Chamber. Gholamhossein Shajfeal, Vice President of Iran Chamber of commerce and industries (ICCI) and President of Mashhad Chamber of Commerce headed the delegation.

Hasan Farazandaeh, Ambassador of Iran in Bangladesh was present at that time. Hossain Khaled, President, DCCI presided over the meeting. Various issues relating to expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Iran were discussed.

DCCI President Hossain Khaled said that the bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Iran is far below the existing potentials. In 2006-2007, Bangladesh's export to Iran was US$ 50.18 million and import amounted to US $29.48 million. He added that both Bangladesh and Iran are the members of Group 77, GSTP, OIC, OIC-TIPS, D-8 Asian Clearing Union (ACU) etc. and have common historical religious and cultural bondage as well as trade and economic linkages. He opined to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation among the member countries of ACU to provide their products easy market access to each other.

He emphasized to prepare a Mid-Term Action Plan defining mutual interest by commissioning some sectoral study to develop and diversify business in the field of jute, jute goods, pharmaceutical and textile sector etc.

Iranian business delegates showed keen interest in jointly setting up agro-based Industries, small-scale oil refinery, lubricant and some other industrial machinery.

The fields of interested business activities of the delegation are: Industrial consulting, international consultants, home appliances, manufacturer of silk yarn and silk fabrics, wire and cables, door and window, agricultural spare and agricultural tractors, export and import of silk textile, technical and engineer service etc. Referring to the potentiality of trade between Bangladesh and Iran, the leader of the delegation Gholam Hossein Shafeali suggested to form a Special Group for facilitating trade and investment between the two countries.

He also asked to arrange such type of business meeting at both Iran and Bangladesh. Ambassador Hasan Farazandeh, assured all sorts of cooperation to increase investment, trade volume and to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two brotherly countries.

Among others, DCCI Vice President Alhaj Alauddin Malik, DCCI Directors Mnanzur-ur-Rahman (Ruskin), KMH Shahidul Haque, MS Shekil Chowdhury, Asif Ibrahim, Zafor Osman and other DCCI business leaders were present in the meeting.