SANGSAD BHABAN, April 20,  (V7N) — Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told the Jatiya Sangsad today that Bangladesh currently maintains 24 commercial wings in 21 countries to promote exports and attract investment.  

The wings are located in major trade hubs including Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Geneva, London, Moscow, Ankara, Canberra, Ottawa, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Beijing, Kunming, New Delhi, Kolkata, Tehran, Tokyo, Jeddah, Brasilia, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore, and Dubai.  

Responding to a starred question from independent MP Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), the minister said the government is prioritizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) at bilateral and multilateral levels across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.  

Policy directions include gradual tariff reductions, removal of non-tariff barriers, improved market access, and strengthened cooperation in technology and investment. “These steps are expected to enhance export diversification, generate employment, and ensure long-term sustainable economic growth,” Muktadir said.  

He added that Bangladesh is actively participating in international trade fairs and sending delegations abroad to explore new markets. The national budget has exempted duties on 110 items and reduced duties on 65 others to lower import costs.  

An annual action plan has been formulated to achieve export targets, alongside initiatives to resolve trade disputes and ease complexities between importers and exporters.  

END/AJ/RH