DHAKA: Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi sought cooperation from WTO for to face global trade challenges as developing Bangladesh.

Tipu Munshi said, “Bangladesh especially needs to extend tenure of the TRIPS Agreement. LDC countries will get the benefit by January 2033. Drug industry is very promising for Bangladesh.”

Commerce Minister sought the cooperation at the 1st meeting of the 5th Trade Police Review of Bangladesh at the headquarters (Geneva) of World Trade Organization on Wednesday (April 3).

Chairman Ambassador of Trade Police Review of WTO Tehangkir presided over the meeting with the attendance of all members of WTO.

According to the advice of the World Trade Organization, Bangladesh has gained capacity to trade in the world. Bangladesh is going ahead in export trade with goodwill, Tipu Munshi said.

In the last fiscal year, Bangladesh's exports were worth about USD 37 billion. Export target for 2021 is fixed at USD 60 billion. Tipu Munshi also said.

After graduating from Least Developed Countries (LDC) status, Bangladesh has already completed the 1st stage to enter the stage of Developing Countries. Bangladesh will become a developing country by 2024.

Bangladesh has launched digital system in most business operation; he further said adding that, “Bangladesh is the first country to sign on Paperless Trade Policy of WTO.”

BDST:  1810 HRS, APRIL 4, 2019

AH/SMS