Bangladesh, Vietnam Eye Trade, Economic Partnership

Emphasising the need for boosting bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang has called for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, signing of trade agreements and building stronger economic partnerships between the two countries.

Phan Thi Thang made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the Vietnam-Bangladesh Business Forum 2025, organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at a hotel in Dhaka.

A 16-member Vietnamese business delegation, led by Deputy Minister Thang, participated in the forum.

Highlighting trade potential in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, fisheries and ICT, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister noted that both nations currently impose high tariffs on each other’s products.

Thi Thang stressed that easing tariff and non-tariff barriers as well as improving transport, communication and logistics infrastructure could unlock major opportunities in unexplored sectors.

She also recommended strengthening information exchange and mutual cooperation between business communities of the two countries.

Echoing similar sentiments, Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, underlined the importance of eliminating both tariff and non-tariff obstacles to facilitate trade and investment between Bangladesh and Vietnam.

He also suggested further simplification of transaction mechanisms between the two sides.

In his welcome address, FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman said there is significant untapped potential in trade and investment between Bangladesh and Vietnam.

He pointed to possibilities in infrastructure development, renewable energy, agro-processing, and ICT sectors.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasised the importance of joint ventures and reciprocal cooperation in expanding trade between the two nations. He expressed optimism that technology transfer and technical collaboration could enhance industrial and trade development in both countries.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammad Lutfor Rahman called for trade visa facilitation to strengthen business ties.

Do Van Trung, Head of the Vietnam Business Association, highlighted the need for deeper communication and partnerships among entrepreneurs and businesses from both countries.

Also present at the forum were FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir, former director Abdul Haque, Nasrin Fatema Awwal, Dr Ferdousi Rahman, members of FBCCI’s advisory and general council, business leaders, and other dignitaries, reports BSS.