Bangladesh, Kosovo explore stronger trade, investment ties

A Bangladeshi delegation led by Ambassador Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Kosovo’s Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation Mimoza Kusari-Lila in Pristina yesterday to explore ways of expanding bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The meeting, held at the minister’s office, focused on concrete opportunities to deepen economic relations, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and information technology.

S M Mahbubul Alam, Director General (East Europe and CIS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kosovo’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Lulzim Pllana, were also present.

Both sides agreed to encourage greater private-sector engagement and exchanges of business delegations to tap the potential for increased bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.

Seeking to boost bilateral trade, the Bangladeshi delegation urged Kosovo to increase imports of ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals and other Bangladeshi products.

Dhaka also invited Kosovan investors to explore the investment-friendly environment offered by Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones.

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The two sides discussed the possible formation of a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, while the Bangladeshi delegation invited an exploratory mission from Kosovo’s private sector to Bangladesh.

The meeting also focused on creating new opportunities for business-to-business cooperation, including potential collaboration between the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (OEK) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce (DCC).

The possibility of Bangladeshi companies establishing production lines in Kosovo was also discussed.

Minister Kusari-Lila highlighted Kosovo’s favourable investment environment, citing its proximity to the European Union market, fiscal policies, competitive workforce and access to European markets through the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

She also said Bangladesh could take advantage of regional connectivity among the Western Balkan countries.

The two sides also discussed initiating a process towards a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), which they said could create new opportunities to increase trade and investment between Bangladesh and Kosovo.