Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has stressed the importance of business-to-business (B2B) connectivity between Bangladesh and Kosovo, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman made the observation during a meeting with visiting Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Kreshnik Ahmeti at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Kosovo was US$ 0.31 million in 2020, while Bangladesh's export to Kosovo in 2021 was $1.41 million, said Mr Rahman.
The economy of Bangladesh is driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) similar to that of Kosovo, he said.
Therefore, the DCCI president hoped that virtual B2B match-making between the businessmen of both the countries would ensure knowing each other as well as create scope for new ventures.
"Kosovo can hire IT professionals, engineers and skilled workforce from Bangladesh," he said, adding that readymade garment (RMG) and pharmaceutical products of Bangladesh had huge export potential in Kosovo.
Mr Rahman suggested framing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Kosovo, in order to promote trade, investment, commercial and economic interests.
"Both the countries can capitalise their expertise and competitive advantage of producing their goods and services for enhancing mutual trade and investment," he added.
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Kreshnik Ahmeti said that 92 per cent of businesses in Kosovo were SMEs.
"Kosovo is a free market but to know each other reciprocal exchange of business delegation can play a pivotal role," he observed.
The foreign and economic policies of Kosovo normally do not change, Ahmeti told the meeting.
He suggested establishing a joint business committee and B2B forum to boost bilateral trade.
DCCI Senior Vice President Arman Haque, Vice President Monowar Hossain, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh Anirban Neogi, and Ambassador of Kosovo in Dhaka Guner Ureya were also present during the meeting.
