Terming Russia as one of the closest friends of Bangladesh, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has sought cooperation to export its products directly to the Russian market.
Describing that Bangladesh has a lot of opportunities to increase trade with Russia, the minister said trade with Russia is not growing expectedly due to transactions in banking channels and some custom complications.
His call and observation were made at a meeting with Russian Ambassador Alexander V Mantytskiy at the Bangladesh secretariat on Monday.
Russia played an important role for Bangladesh during the country’s great liberation war, he said, adding that Bangladesh has a lot of opportunities to increase trade with Russia.
There is a huge demand for various products including garments made in Bangladesh in the Russian market, the minister pointed out.
Due to various complications, Bangladeshi-made garments are being exported to the Russian market through other countries, he mentioned.
The commerce minister said that the complications have been identified and efforts are being made to resolve them.
If the problems are resolved, it would be possible to export a large quantity of Bangladeshi products to the Russian market, he hoped.
The direct cooperation of the Russian government is required for the direct export of readymade garments and other products, he emphasised.
Newly-appointed Russian Ambassador Alexander V Mantytskiy said Russia is keen to increase trade and investment with Bangladesh.
There is a lot of demand for Bangladeshi products in Russia. Trade and investment in both countries will increase if the ongoing trade barriers are removed, he hoped.
The Russian government is sincere in overcoming the ongoing problems and it wants to be a partner in the development of Bangladesh, he added.
