Pretoria (South Africa), August 25 : During his official visit to South Africa, Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen joined a virtual discussion with Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa. The other members of the Bangladesh delegation comprised Foreign Ministry officials and the Bangladesh High Commissioner in South Africa. At the outset of the meeting, the Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of the birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister mentioned the remarkable economic growth that Bangladesh has attained during the last twelve years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He informed the South African Trade Minister that Bangladesh is presently sheltering 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh.
The South African Trade Minister briefed the Bangladesh Foreign Minister about the economic policies currently adopted by the government of South Africa. He strongly suggested that Bangladesh investors may visit South Africa to see the investment opportunities in South Africa. He indicated that Bangladeshi investors can invest in South Africa in different sectors including clothing, textiles and footwear sectors. The Foreign Minister remarked that Bangladesh investors have invested in some African countries and if the South African government extends their accord for similar investment, Bangladesh investors are likely to consider investing in South Africa. He added that collaboration in many sectors like IT and agro-processed industry would provide a win-win situation for both countries. The South African Trade Minister underlined the importance of joint ventures between Bangladesh and South Africa. He suggested sharing knowledge between Bangladesh and South Africa in IT sector.
The Ministers both underlined the importance of institutional cooperation in the form of exchange of the visits of trade and business delegations and conclusion of Agreements in the trade, investment and commerce areas. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister informed Mr. Patel about various facilities and incentives that are provided to the foreign investors in Bangladesh. Both the Ministers agreed to continue cooperation with a view to enhancing trade, economic and business relations between the two friendly countries.
