Bangladesh Invites Türkiye to Help Build Defense Industry
The chief of Bangladesh's caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, has extended an invitation to Türkiye to bring its advanced technology to Bangladesh and collaborate in developing the defense industry of the South Asian nation.
Meeting Between Bangladeshi and Turkish Delegations
In a meeting with a Turkish delegation led by Trade Minister Ömer Bolat in Dhaka, both sides discussed the potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries beyond the textile industry, which currently dominates Türkiye's imports from Bangladesh.
Diversification of Economic Cooperation
Minister Bolat highlighted the opportunity for economic collaboration in various sectors such as defense industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Enhancing Trade Relations
With Bangladesh's exports to Türkiye reaching approximately $581 million in the past year and imports standing at around $424 million, there is a shared ambition to further strengthen trade ties and explore new avenues for economic growth.
Utilizing Youth Workforce
Citing Bangladesh's youthful population, Yunus emphasized the potential for Türkiye to leverage the country's labor force by establishing manufacturing facilities, enabling the production and distribution of goods within the region.
Existing Turkish Investments in Bangladesh
Currently, nearly 20 major Turkish companies are actively engaged in various sectors in Bangladesh, including garments, textiles, accessories, chemicals, engineering, construction, and energy, contributing to the nation's industrial development.
Yunus's Role in Bangladesh
As a Nobel Peace laureate and a champion of microcredit initiatives, Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh's caretaker government with a vision to restore stability following a period of unrest and ultimately oversee the organization of new parliamentary elections.
Pioneering Microcredit Movement
Yunus, known as the "banker to the poor," gained international recognition for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering microcredit programs that have empowered millions of impoverished individuals by providing access to financial services.
Rebuilding Bangladesh's Future
Tasked with the challenging responsibility of rebuilding post-conflict Bangladesh, Yunus aims to navigate the country towards a path of peace and prosperity, utilizing his expertise in social entrepreneurship and economic development.