Mir Afroz Zaman

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) have signed an agreement to establish a Joint Business Council (JBC) to strengthen the economic ties and to enhance closer cooperation between Bangladesh and Qatar.

The agreement was signed in presence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and Qatar's Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on April 23, 2024, at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital.

FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam and QCCI Chairman HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani have signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. This initiative aims to facilitate continuous interaction between the business communities of the two countries to boost trade and economic cooperation.

FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam said that the establishment of JBC between Bangladesh and Qatar will open a new window of cooperation between the two nations. The business community of both the countries will be benefited under this agreement as they will be able to sit periodically to discuss issues of mutual interest in trade, business, scientific and research cooperation. At the same time it will help Bangladeshi business community to explore the potential export market at Qatar and vice-versa.

According to the agreement, the JBC will provide a platform for businessmen and industrialists from Bangladesh and Qatar to engage in discussions and activities related to trade, investment, technology transfer, services, and other industrial sectors.

The JBC meetings will be organized alternately in Bangladesh and Qatar, and each side will have the opportunity to exchange information on trade, economic cooperation and services to augment business between the two countries.

The JBC will engage in activities such as exchanging information, submitting recommendations to respective governments, encouraging participation in exhibitions, and sponsoring missions and expert visits. Both sides will hold joint meetings to discuss issues related to trade promotion and economic cooperation. Sub-committees and task forces may be formed if necessary, according to the agreement.