Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman on Monday said business-to-business (B2B) connectivity can boost Bangladesh-Kosovo bilateral trade.
The DCCI president came up with the statement during a meeting with visiting Deputy Foreign Minister of Kosovo Kreshnik Ahmeti at a city hotel in the city, according to a BSS report that cited a press release.
During the meeting, Rizwan Rahman said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Kosovo was US$0.31 million only in 2020.
"Our export to Kosovo in 2021 was $1.41 million," he added.
Rizwan Rahman also said that like Kosovo, here in Bangladesh the economy is driven by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He proposed that virtual B2B match-making between the businessmen of both countries will ensure knowing each other as well as create the scope of new ventures.
"Kosovo can hire our IT professionals, engineers and skilled workforce from Bangladesh", Rahman added.
He said RMG and pharmaceutical products of Bangladesh show huge export potential in Kosovo.
He also said that framing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Kosovo may facilitate the promotion of trade, investment, and commercial and economic interests.
Both the countries can capitalise on their expertise and competitive advantage of producing their goods and services for enhancing mutual trade and investment, he added.
Kreshnik Ahmeti said that 92 per cent of businesses in Kosovo are SMEs and 98 per cent are small and medium enterprises.
"Kosovo is a free market but to know each other reciprocal exchange of business delegation can play a pivotal role," he added.
He also said the foreign and economic policies of Kosovo normally do not change.
He said last year Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Kosovo was good and they are transforming their coal-based power to renewables.
He also suggested that a joint business committee and B2B forum can be established to boost bilateral trade.
DCCI Senior Vice President Arman Haque, Vice President Monowar Hossain, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bangladesh Anirban Neogi and Ambassador of Kosovo in Dhaka Guner Ureya were also present during the meeting.
