Desk Report (RMG Times) Bangladesh’s apex trade body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) has batted for tapping into the potential markets of Russia, Africa and the Middle-East for the country’s top export sector – the ready-made garments.

Citing Russia as a tremendously potential market, FBCCI President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said: “We can explore the Russian market. It is a potential new destination. The government should work on how to curb the 40 per cent duty on garment export there.”

Speaking further, he said: “African and Middle Eastern markets have also remained untapped. We should work in those markets for increasing our export. The commercial councillors assigned at different missions abroad should be more responsible to this end and see how Bangladesh’s exports can be increased.”

Speaking at a recent press conference, Mohiuddin also called out to the government on improving the infrastructure of Bangladesh. “Export-import activities are being affected due to mismanagement at ports. Goods are left under the open sky at Dhaka airport. Theft of goods there are rampant.”

In response, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said: “We improved the situation at Chittagong port significantly so that export and import activities run smooth. Lead time has been brought down.” He hoped that exports to Europe, US and Canada will continue to grow.

Among others present during the programme were Mr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Commerce Secretary Shuvashish Basu, Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau Bijoy Bhattacharya, and Additional Secretary to the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh.