DHAKA, Feb 19, 2024 (BSS) - Philippa King, deputy CEO of the Australian Trade

and Investment Commission (AusTrade), has laid emphasis on strengthening the
economic partnership between Bangladesh and Australia alongside focusing on
product diversification.

The AusTrade deputy CEO made the emphasis during a meeting with Senior
Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh in Australia.

Tapan visited Australia on a week-long visit from February 11 to boost
bilateral trade, commerce and investment, said a handout.

During the meeting, the Senior Commerce Secretary highlighted on other
potential sectors of Bangladesh like ICT, light engineering, apart from RMG.

The AusTrade deputy CEO put emphasis on forging partnership by the various
Bangladeshi universities with the different universities of Australia as an
alternate model for higher education.

During the meeting, support was sought from Australia in the technical
education Programme.

The meeting also discussed about holding seminar jointly on boosting
Bangladesh-Australia bilateral trade.

During his visit, the Senior Commerce Secretary also held meeting with Gary
Kawan, First Assistant Secretary, North and South Asia, Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade of Australia, trade affairs chief of Australian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Chris Burns and the leaders of local Bangladesh-
Australia Chamber.

During the meeting with Kawan, Tapan sought support from Australia to
continue the LDC status facilities by the WTO in favour of Bangladesh during
the post LDC graduation period.

Meanwhile, the Senior Commerce Secretary also addressed a seminar organized
by the Bangladesh-Australia Business Council.

Currently, the Bangladesh-Australia bilateral trade crossed over 4 billion
Australian dollar.