DHAKA, April 23, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman informed that Qatar has expressed its keenness to ink Free trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh.

"The Qatari delegation expressed their interest in FTA when the proposal was placed in the meeting. They have shown great interest in this proposal. They said they have FTA with many countries of the world. Recently they signed an FTA with South Korea," he said.

Salman said this after a bilateral meeting between the two countries at a hotel in the city on Monday evening, said a press release here today.

At the meeting, Salman F Rahman led the Bangladesh side and Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar Sheikh Mohmmed bin hamad Al Thani led the Qatar side. 

Noting that the Qatari side also expressed their interest in discussion with Bangladesh on commodity exchange and Sukuk investment, Salman said the meeting decided to work for the development of the private sector of the two countries.

He said Qatar imports food products from many countries and Bangladesh wants to export various food products, including meat to the country.

"The governments of the two countries will work for the development of business and trade in these areas by creating a favourable environment," he added.

As per the press release, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam expressed interest in visiting Qatar with a delegation to improve relations between the businessmen of the two countries and the president of the Chamber in Qatar welcomed the proposal.

The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu, FBCCI President and several senior government officials.