Shahriar for collaboration between BIDA and GAFI

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has emphasised the importance of collaboration between Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) of Egypt to strengthen bilateral investment.

He put the emphasis during a meeting with GAFI Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Wahab on Wednesday at the latter’s office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Shahriar expressed heartfelt thanks for the welcome extended to the Bangladesh delegation.

Mentioning that Bangladesh has historical, close and brotherly relations with Egypt, the state minister lauded the remarkable progress of the African country in recent years. At the meeting, he said his visit provided an opportunity to obtain ideas from GAFI.

Shahriar also put emphasis on signing an agreement between Bangladesh and Egypt on cooperation between GAFI and BIDA as well as other agreements which are being mutually discussed. On the same day, the state minister met a delegation of the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.

Mentioning that the volume of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Egypt falls below the expected level, he suggested making joint efforts for enhancing the existing level of trade and investment, read the release.

He proposed sending a business delegation from Egypt to Bangladesh for discussions on potential areas of cooperation on trade and investment. He also suggested virtual meetings of the business people of the two countries.

Shahriar suggested that talks may be held to assess the necessity of signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Egypt.