DHAKA, Oct 12, 2022 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today urged Kosovo to explore the trade and investment opportunities available in Bangladesh and take the benefit from those opportunities.

"Both the countries have huge scope and ample potential for mutual trade growth. Kosovo can take advantage of the 100 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being built to facilitate foreign investments in Bangladesh," he said.

The minister said this during a meeting with a Kosovo delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo Kreshnik Ahmeti, at Bangladesh secretariat in the city, said a press release.

Noting Bangladesh as a big marketplace for products, Tipu said that investment in the country has the backing of huge skilled manpower and low production cost.

"Despite the several special facilities for foreign investments, including duty-free access for up to 10 years for investments in specific sectors and Special Economic Zones, announced by the government, Bangladesh has had very little trade with Kosovo," he added.

In fiscal 2021-2022, he said, Bangladesh exported goods worth only $0.74 million to Kosovo, while no goods were imported from Kosovo during the period.

Kreshnik Ahmeti expressed the desire for joint investment with Bangladesh.

He said the growing economy of Kosovo and Bangladesh will be able to increase the trade and investments by signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and protective investments and forming joint committees for business.

"Moreover, establishing contact between the business groups of both the countries and easing the tariff structure for products will ensure mutual benefit," he added.

Senior officials of the Commerce Ministry were present on the occasion.