US trade show begins in Dhaka
Commerce Minister GM Quader yesterday called upon US entrepreneurs to invest more in Bangladesh, saying the country has one of the most liberal investment policies globally.
“You (the US entrepreneurs) can take the opportunity,†Quader said while opening the three-day US Trade Show 2013 at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in Dhaka.
He said the US is the single largest bilateral trade partner of Bangladesh, and the good side is that the trade balance leans in Bangladesh's favour.
Bangladesh exported goods worth $4.91 billion to the US and imported products worth $501.9 million in 2012, according to data from the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham).
The amounts were $4.88 billion and $1.14 billion respectively in 2011. “Bangladesh can and must be the next Asian tiger,†said US Ambassador Dan W Mozena.
AmCham President Aftab ul Islam said Bangladesh and the US might sign the much talked-about Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (TICFA) at any time.
“Signing TICFA can open enormous trade opportunities for the two countries. The visa procedures of both of the countries should also be simplified to increase trade,†Islam said.
More than 50 US companies are showcasing their products and services at 95 stalls of the fair, organised by AmCham and the US embassy in Dhaka.
The three-day fair will remain open from 10am to 8pm with an entry fee of Tk 20 per person.
This year 23 member companies of American Chamber of Commerce in India are also participating in the trade show in Dhaka.
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