Bangladesh, Afghanistan agree to boost ties through economic partnership

Bangladesh and Afghanistan have agreed to elevate their relations from friendly ties to a practical economic partnership aimed at increasing trade, strengthening mutual trust and generating tangible economic benefits for both countries.

Afghanistan has expressed its desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh during the first official visit of Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ahmadullah Zahid.

Zahid, who has been visiting Bangladesh since Sunday (19 January), has already held meetings with Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Mohammad Hasan Arif.

He is leading a delegation of around 50 members to expand bilateral trade relations between the two countries, according to Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

During the visit, the two sides held comprehensive discussions on export and import facilities, joint venture opportunities, and ways to strengthen commercial cooperation.

According to the Afghan side, the purpose of the visit is to explore new markets for Afghan traders, expand export opportunities for Afghan products, and strengthen regional economic cooperation.

The Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce met EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif while visiting the country's international trade exhibition on Monday.

Arif said Bangladesh is ready to export high-quality medicines and medical products to Afghanistan systematically and sustainably, saying that Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector is advanced and meets international standards, according to a statement from Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The Afghan side welcomed Bangladesh's readiness, describing it as vital for the country's healthcare needs.

Both sides agreed to elevate their ties from friendly relations to practical economic cooperation to boost trade volume and strengthen mutual trust.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce emphasised that such visits play an important role in economic growth, business development and strengthening the national economy.

Bangladesh reiterated its interest in exporting quality medicines and medical products to Afghanistan on a regular and sustainable basis.

The Afghan delegation highlighted the importance of this initiative for the country's healthcare sector and noted that the economies of the two countries are complementary.

The two sides also discussed joint business meetings, business-to-business (B2B) engagement, and official cooperation.