http://www.newagebd.com/2009/nov/16/busi.html#2
Dhaka, Hanoi to boost business
Staff Correspondent
Vietnamese vice-minister for trade and industry said potential of trade and investment between Bangladesh and his country remained unexplored mainly due to lack of business to business communications.
Le Doung Quang, the vice-minister, made the comment when he led a Vietnamese business delegation to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Sunday.
Vietnamese ambassador in Dhaka Nguyan Van That also addressed the meeting, presided over by FBBCI president Annisul Huq.
Bangladesh can import more commodities like rice and spices from Vietnam while the Bangladeshi and Vietnamese entrepreneurs can make partnerships in leather, fishing and jute sectors, said Doung Quang.
The Vietnamese business representatives showed their interest in making partnerships in steel industries, food processing, agricultures and shipping sectors.
Le Thi Hoang Oanh, director of a Hanoi based freight forwarding company, said her company got huge business response after appointing an agent in Dhaka.
Le, whose company started with electrical equipments, said many products could be traded between the two countries if business communication was developed.
Annisul Huq invited the Vietnamese entrepreneurs to explore Bangladesh’s very liberal policies regarding foreign direct investments.
He cited light engineering, livestock, rubber based industries and infrastructures projects as the potential sectors for investments.
Vietnam total import was $81 billion from global market when it exported $63 billion in 2008. But the trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam was only $65 million in the period.
Bangladesh exports to Vietnam include garment and shoe accessories, tobacco, iron, raw jute, pharmaceuticals, plastic materials, electric cable, fertiliser, steel, yarn, rice and machineries.
Referring to the agreement between Bangladesh and Vietnam on textile and direct LC settlement, the vice-minister said the two countries had not yet reap the benefit of the deal.
