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Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has called for boosting exports of diversified and high-value products, particularly jute , fresh fruits and leather goods, to Hong Kong to help reduce Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the territory.
He made the call at a meeting with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Executive Director Sophia Chong on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative Summit at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The minister said Bangladesh needs to reduce its reliance on readymade garments and expand exports of a broader range of products to gain greater direct access to the Hong Kong market.
He said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Hong Kong amounted to $415 million in fiscal year 2024-25, with Bangladesh importing goods worth $307 million and exporting $108 million.
Bangladesh’s exports to Hong Kong rose slightly to $109.51 million in FY2025-26, he added.
Muktadir stressed the need for greater direct market access for Bangladeshi products to narrow the trade gap.
He proposed arranging business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking programmes to connect Bangladeshi exporters of premium fruits, including mangoes, jackfruits and lemons, with Hong Kong supermarkets and major importers.
He also highlighted the potential for expanding Bangladesh’s eco-friendly and biodegradable jute products in Hong Kong’s green retail and design sectors.
The minister proposed subsidised or free exhibition stalls for Bangladeshi small and medium enterprises at international trade fairs, electronic certificates of origin, modernised customs procedures and improved joint shipping and logistics facilities.
He also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in signing a memorandum of understanding on bilateral trade and investment with Hong Kong to address challenges arising from the country’s graduation from the least developed country category.
Muktadir said Bangladesh wants to use Hong Kong as a gateway to southern China and the Greater Bay Area to develop new trade and investment partnerships.
Sophia Chong welcomed the proposals and stressed the importance of increasing direct contacts and experience-sharing between businesses of the two sides.
She said there are significant opportunities to expand cooperation in readymade garments, textiles, leather goods and information technology.
Muktadir also invited a high-level HKTDC business delegation led by Chong to visit Bangladesh.
