Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, HE Ms Julia Niblett, was pleased to meet with the Hon. Minister of Commerce, Mr Tipu Munshi MP, on 4 November 2019, ahead of his visit to Australia for the Australia-Bangladesh Trade Conference in Sydney.
Jointly hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra and the Australia-Bangladesh Business Council from 13 to 15 November, the Trade Conference will bring together businesses, investors and government leaders from Bangladesh and Australia to discuss ways to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner and Hon. Commerce Minister discussed practical ways to improve understanding of opportunities in the business environment, to increase trade between Australia and Bangladesh. “I’m pleased that the governments of Australia and Bangladesh are working together to further enhance the trade relationship”, said Ms Niblett.
The High Commissioner hosted a reception on 5 November 2019, for Bangladeshi businesses and delegates travelling to the Trade Conference and Australian companies operating in Bangladesh, to underline the growing potential for enhancing the commercial relationship.
“Australia’s two way trade with Bangladesh has grown to just over AUD2.44 billion a year,” said Ms Niblett, “and there are substantial opportunities for further growth on both sides.”
Chief Guest Mr Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Additional Secretary (Export) from the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted Bangladesh’s strong economic performance and the prospective business opportunities arising from the Trade Conference.
Representatives from various chambers of commerce attended the reception, including business- women from the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce. Acknowledging the role of women entrepreneurs, Ms Niblett noted that “Women in Bangladesh have the skills, the business acumen and the impressive networking dividends that help business thrive in this country.”
Bangladesh’s exports to Australia comprise ready-made garments, leather goods, footwear, processed food and jute. Australia’s main exports to Bangladesh are cotton for the ready-made garment industry, milk and other dairy products, lentils and pulses, education and other services.