Bangladesh, South Africa discuss ways to boost trade

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said Bangladesh and South Africa have common socio-economic development objectives and there are huge potentials to boost trade and investment.

He observed that visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders and agreement on avoidance of double taxation between Bangladesh and South Africa will facilitate contacts and increase trade and investment between the two countries.

The state minister had bilateral talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa Candith Mashego Dlamini in Pretoria on February 3 and discussed areas of cooperation.

Referring to his meeting with the Business Unity South Africa which took place on Thursday, Shahriar Alam said the organisation has shown interest in working with Bangladeshi chambers.

He expressed hope that with mutual efforts, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and South Africa may be enhanced to one billion dollars.

The state minister proposed formation of a Bangladesh-South Africa business council comprising different chamber officials and businessmen to assess potentials and discuss business matters.

Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa Dlamini referred to the recent high level visits that took place between Bangladesh and South Africa.

Dlamini viewed that air service connectivity and B2B contacts would help develop business relations and contacts.

She proposed that both sides may exchange knowledge in agriculture and peacekeeping areas. She assured that the South African government would try to ease the visa procedure of Bangladeshi applicants.

Both sides agreed to continue working together to develop the bilateral relations to further heights.