The Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CIS-BCCI) has called on the government to streamline financial and banking cooperation with Russia to facilitate the business transaction between the two countries.
The business transaction in banking channel between the two countries is now the 'main impediment', CIS-BCCI President Md Habib Ullah Dawn said, recommending that finance and commerce ministries and Bangladesh Bank may take appropriate steps in this regard as proposed in the first and the second Protocols of Inter-Governmental Commission meeting held in Moscow and Dhaka.
While paying a call on Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday along with the newly elected board of directors, Mr Dawn pointed out that the first and the second Protocols on Russian-Bangladesh Inter-Government Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation signed between Bangladesh and Russia are remarkable examples of the active and fruitful partnership.
He further put emphasis on carrying forward objectives of the two Protocols, especially on mutual regulatory cooperation and harmonisation of Trade Rules, and setting up necessary infrastructures including warehouses and distribution network.
Mr Munshi, the commerce minister, appreciated the role of the CIS-BCCI and said the huge market of CIS countries, including Russia, should be explored to enhance the country's export basket and competitiveness.
He assured the CIS-BCCI of keeping the chamber involved on necessary follow-up on the decisions of IGC (Inter-Governmental Commission) meetings.
Mr Dawn, the CIS-BCCI president, requested the minister for helping the chamber with research fund for proper exploration of the CIS market.
CIS-BCCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ali Deen, Vice President Jadab Debnath, Directors Helena Jahangir, Md Mosharaf Hossain, Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury, Dr Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath CIP, Md Enamul Haque, Salma Hossain Ash, Sheikh Fayez Alam, Abdul Latif Sarker, Kashfiqur Rahman, Advisers Mahbub Islam Runu, Manzur Ahmed and Secretary of the chamber Mustafa Mohiuddin, among others, were present.