Bangladesh and Tajikistan have expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral trade and investment through enhanced private sector engagement, improved connectivity and closer institutional cooperation. The commitment was reiterated during a bilateral meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Idibek Kalandar and the leadership of the CIS-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CIS-BCCI), led by its President Jadab Debnath, at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka.
Focus on Trade and Investment
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, with both sides exchanging views on expanding business opportunities and fostering closer commercial ties between the two countries. The Tajik delegation expressed keen interest in increasing imports from Bangladesh, promoting joint ventures and facilitating greater business-to-business cooperation and investment.
Sectors of Interest
Speaking at the meeting, Jadab Debnath said the chamber is committed to expanding trade and investment relations with Tajikistan, particularly in the sectors of tourism, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, hospitality, energy, cotton and agro-processed products.
Proposed Measures for Enhanced Trade
To facilitate greater trade, CIS-BCCI proposed the introduction of a simplified e-Visa facility for Bangladeshi businesspeople, enhanced banking connectivity through branches or representative offices of Tajik banks in Bangladesh, and direct air connectivity between the two countries to boost trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Institutional Cooperation
Both sides also agreed in principle to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CIS-BCCI and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan to strengthen institutional cooperation, facilitate business delegations, exchange trade information and promote bilateral trade and investment.
Commitment to Economic Cooperation
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic cooperation and creating new opportunities for the business communities of Bangladesh and Tajikistan. Among others, Bangladesh Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Monirul Islam, Director General (East Europe and CIS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs S.M. Mahbubul Alam, senior officials from the Tajik Foreign Ministry and members of the CIS-BCCI Board of Directors attended the meeting.
