Munshi seeks Uzbek investment in SEZs

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi yesterday invited Uzbek businesses to invest in special economic zones (SEZs) and high-tech parks in Bangladesh to utilise the trade potential between the two countries.

Munshi also requested the visiting Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Bakhrom Aloev to launch direct flights between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan so that bilateral trade and investment can grow.

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Munshi and Aloev sat in a meeting at the commerce minister's secretariat office in Dhaka, according to a statement from the commerce ministry.

Munshi also said the government has been developing 100 SEZs across the country, where the Uzbek businesses can invest in different sectors. Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies have been sending medicines to 152 countries, like the US, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia, after meeting domestic demand.

So, there is ample scope for bilateral cooperation in businesses like pharmaceuticals, garments, jute and jute goods, frozen foods, ICT products, handicrafts, leather and leather goods, agricultural products, fresh fruits and vegetables, Munshi added.

The commerce minister is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan in August this year along with a business delegation to discuss bilateral issues at the 'Inter-governmental commission' meeting.

Senior government officials and private sector entrepreneurs of both countries are scheduled to attend this inter-governmental commission meeting, the statement also said.

Aloev said he will take measures so that direct flights are soon established between the two countries.

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported goods worth $26.33 million to Uzbekistan and imported goods worth $8.80 million, according to commerce ministry data.