DHAKA, Nov 13, 2023 (BSS) - Ambassador of Egypt to Bangladesh, Omar Fahmy
paid a courtesy visit to Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), at BGMEA Complex in the
capital's Uttara today.

The meeting focused on key issues aimed at boosting bilateral trade and
exploring mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.

The Egyptian Ambassador was accompanied by Mina Makary, Second Secretary at
the embassy, said a press release.

Discussions between Ambassador Omar Fahmy and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan
centered around ways to enhance the existing bilateral trade relations
between Bangladesh and Egypt.

Faruque highlighted the BGMEA's ongoing efforts to diversify export markets
beyond traditional markets.

He expressed Bangladesh's keen interest in increasing the export of readymade
garments to Egypt, pointing to the substantial opportunity for growth in this
market.

Both sides acknowledged the untapped potential and discussed strategies to
further penetrate the Egyptian market.

The BGMEA President underscored the importance of fostering stronger
connections between the business communities of the two countries.

In this regard, he lauded the launching of Dhaka-Cairo direct flight, saying
it would facilitate business travels between two countries.

He also expressed hope that the frequency of Dhaka-Cairo flight would
increase in the future.

Laying emphasis on trade exhibitions and bilateral trade visits to facilitate
exploration of mutual opportunities, Faruque sought cooperation from
Ambassador Omar Fahmy to strengthen economic ties.

The envoy expressed keen interest of Egypt in tapping into opportunities
within Bangladesh, with a specific emphasis on supplying chemicals and
various raw materials.

Ambassador Fahmy called upon Bangladeshi RMG entrepreneurs to consider
establishing factories in Egypt, highlighting the potential duty-free
advantages available to them in dealings with other countries.

The BGMEA President extended a warm invitation to Egyptian business
delegations, urging them to explore trade and investment opportunities in
Bangladesh.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in discussions regarding potential
collaboration between BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and
prominent Egyptian fashion institutes.

In addition to economic collaborations, their discussions also touched upon
the prospects of boosting tourism. They talked about avenues for encouraging
tourists from Egypt to visit Bangladesh and vice versa.

BGMEA Directors Asif Ashraf, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Chair of BGMEA Standing
Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam, Chair of BGMEA
Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammad Kamal Uddin and Chairman of Mithela
Group Md. Azahar Khan were also present at the meeting.