Bangladesh, Tajikistan Eye Stronger Digital Trade Partnership

Bangladesh and Tajikistan have explored a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening technology-driven trade, digital connectivity, and investment cooperation, with particular emphasis on business-friendly e-visa services, cross-border banking, direct air links, and digital commercial collaboration.

The issues were discussed during a meeting in Dhaka between Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar and a delegation from Tajikistan and the Board of Directors of CIS-BCCI, led by its President Jadab Debnath, held on 8 July, Wednesday at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation while enhancing private sector engagement, technology-enabled business networking, and access to new markets.

The Tajik delegation expressed strong interest in increasing imports from Bangladesh, promoting joint ventures, facilitating investment, and expanding technology-based business cooperation.

CIS-BCCI President Jadab Debnath said the chamber has been working exclusively to strengthen trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and the CIS member states. He reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to expanding cooperation in tourism, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, hospitality, energy, cotton, and agro-processing through technology-driven investment and innovation.

He also expressed interest in working closely with the Government of Tajikistan and the country's business community to build a sustainable economic partnership.

During the meeting, CIS-BCCI proposed introducing a fast, business-friendly electronic visa system for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. It also emphasized strengthening cross-border financial connectivity by establishing branches or representative offices of Tajik banks in Bangladesh to facilitate secure and efficient international business transactions.

The chamber further proposed launching direct air connectivity between the two countries to support trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides also agreed in principle to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between CIS-BCCI and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan to enhance institutional cooperation, exchange business delegations, facilitate digital trade information sharing, and expand bilateral trade and investment.

The participants expressed optimism that these technology-driven initiatives would open new opportunities for businesses in both countries and further strengthen long-term economic cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar, senior officials of the Tajik Foreign Ministry, Bangladesh Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Monirul Islam, Director General of the East Europe and CIS Wing of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs S. M. Mahbubul Alam, CIS-BCCI Senior Vice-President Touhida Sultana, advisers Mahbub Islam Runu and M. S. Siddiqui, along with members of the chamber's Board of Directors.

//DBTech/BNN/EK//