A 35-member delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by President Ashraf Ahmed, will depart for Vietnam tomorrow for a five-day visit. The aim is to explore new business avenues and enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between Vietnam and Bangladesh.
The delegation includes exporters, importers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs from sectors such as financial services, agro and food processing, tourism, healthcare, chemicals, ceramics, information technology, logistics, textiles, and other manufacturing industries.
According to a press release, Ashraf Ahmed is leading one of the largest private-sector business delegations to Vietnam in recent years, with a primary focus on strengthening bilateral business ties. The group aims to discover new opportunities in diversified exports, mutual trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
Bangladesh, strategically located between South Asia and Southeast Asia, holds significant potential for Vietnamese investors. Strengthening bilateral trade with Vietnam will open new markets for Bangladesh, particularly within the ASEAN community. Despite a positive trend, the bilateral trade between the two countries remains underutilized.
In 2022-23, the bilateral trade volume was $1.10 billion, with Bangladesh exporting $96.22 million worth of goods to Vietnam and importing $1.01 billion. There is substantial potential for trade growth as both nations aim to expand their economies.
Recently, Vietnam has shown a strong interest in enhancing commercial and trade relations with Bangladesh, promising a mutually beneficial scenario for both countries.
During this visit, the DCCI delegation will engage in high-level business meetings with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Chamber of Commerce France-Vietnam, and the Investment & Trade Promotion Centre. They will also organize the Vietnam-Bangladesh Business Forum, followed by B2B matchmaking sessions in Thai Binh Province and Ho Chi Minh City.
The delegation will also tour industrial parks and ports in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative aims to uncover untapped business opportunities, fostering shared economic prosperity for both nations.