PHL, Bangladesh eye more trade fairs, visits

The Philippines and Bangladesh are eyeing more trade fairs and high-level visits to increase trade and investments between the two countries. Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Bahnarim Guinomla took up the matter with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-Bangladesh president Mahbubur Rahman this week. "Among the observations expressed during the meeting were the participation in trade fairs and more exchange of high level visits from both sides which could lead to increased trade and investments," the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday. Rahman briefed Guinomla on the role of the Chamber in enhancing global trade and in the formulation of rules governing international commerce in coordination with the United Nations. He added connectivity for mutual exposure and awareness of each other's culture and lifestyle plays an important role in expanding commercial relations. Also, he recalled the visit of former President Fidel Ramos to Dhaka as guest of the business community there. "Mr. Rahman said former President Ramos informed the businessmen of his experience in tackling the power shortage during his tenure. Bangladesh is currently encountering similar power and electricity supply crisis," the DFA said. Guinomla informed Rahman that an opportunity for direct air linkage and better connectivity is now enhanced with the Philippine government adopting a pocket open-skies policy. During his visit, Guinomla was also shown the state-of-the-art facilities of the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC). He received a briefing on its operation by Chief Executive Dr. Toufiq Ali. Earlier, Guinomla met with officers of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest chamber in Bangladesh with over 4,000 members. During that meeting, mutual briefings and views were exchanged on improving Philippine-Bangladesh economic ties. - VVP, GMA News