PM emphasises signing PTA, FTA with Brazil and three other South American countries

Business Desk :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday stressed the need for boosting trade and business cooperation between Bangladesh and Brazil.
There is a huge prospect of business expansion between the two countries, she said, reports UNB.
The premier said this when Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres paid a courtesy call on her at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s speech writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina requested the Brazil government to prioritise expansion of bilateral trade and business.
She emphasised signing preferential trade agreement (PTA) or free trade agreement (FTA) with Brazil and three other MERCOSUR (The Southern Common Market) countries – Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay – soon, as Bangladesh will graduate into a developing country in 2026.
Noting that discussions are continuing over signing PTA or FTA with the MERCOSUR countries, the PM urged for completing the signing process of the agreements soon.
Bangladesh mainly exports pharmaceuticals items and RMG products to Brazil and imports soybean, raw sugar and wheat.
The PM also emphasised on enhancing agricultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Brazil.
Noting that pharmaceutical items are now facing some restrictions over registration process in the Brazilian market, she asked the Brazil side to ease the restrictions.
About the Rohingya issue, she said Bangladesh is providing shelter to more than 11 lakh displaced Rohingyas, which is a huge burden for the country.
She said the displaced Rohingya population continues is growing with the births of 30,000 babies every year.
The PM asked Brazil to play a decisive role in the United Nations Security Council over the Rohingya issue.
She congratulated the newly elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.