DHAKA, Feb 6, 2024 (BSS) - State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu today urged the businesses and investors of the Asian countries to increase their trade and investment relations with Bangladesh.

The state minister made the request while speaking before ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries attending a seminar titled 'Branding Bangladesh' organized jointly by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Ministry of Commerce held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Center at Purbachal.

Mentioning that various countries of the world can enjoy the trade facilities in Bangladesh through making investments here and also improving the trade relations, Ahsanul said one of the ways of addressing the crisis of "supply chain" is regional communication and exchange of resources.

Referring to the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to improve trade relations with the East Asian countries, he said Bangladesh has many friends in such august gathering including many diplomats from the East Asian countries.

The state minister said the Prime Minister has declared 'handicrafts' as the product of the year. If 'one village, one product' initiative becomes successful, then it would be possible to ensure women's empowerment as well as bringing diversification in the exportable items.

He also informed that efforts are on to expand the markets of various items like leather, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals apart from RMG.

Ahsanul also urged the media to make massive publicity of the Dhaka International Trade Fair-2024.

Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, EPB vice chairman HM Ahsan, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Chairman Abdul Muktadir and BGMEA president Faruque Hassan were present, among others, on the occasion.