DCCI seeks New Zealand investment in dairy, food supply chain sector
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has urged New Zealand to expand its investment footprint in Bangladesh, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and ICT sectors, as both sides explore stronger bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The appeal came during a meeting in Dhaka between DCCI leaders and New Zealand’s Non-resident High Commissioner David Pine at the DCCI Gulshan Center on Wednesday, according to press release.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed highlighted New Zealand’s strong global standing in dairy, dairy processing, advanced agriculture, and food safety, saying there is significant scope for the country to support Bangladesh through experience sharing in dairy processing, livestock feed production, dairy farm modernisation, improved cattle breed development, fisheries, and veterinary training.
He urged New Zealand’s private sector to come forward with both joint and independent investments in Bangladesh’s agriculture, food processing, consumer goods, food supply chain management, water and climate management, and renewable energy sectors.
The DCCI President also called on New Zealand entrepreneurs to increase imports of Bangladeshi readymade garments, leather goods, and ICT-enabled services to further strengthen bilateral trade ties.
David Pine offered a significant reassurance to the Bangladesh business community, saying New Zealand will continue to provide duty-free and preferential market access for Bangladeshi goods even after the country graduates from the least developed country (LDC) status.
“New Zealand has been giving special importance to ensuring market access for Bangladeshi goods after the graduation,” the High Commissioner said, signaling continuity in trade preferences beyond LDC transition.
Pine also proposed exploring a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities further.
He noted that in the current global context, diversifying export markets alone is not sufficient, countries must also diversify their import markets.
He positioned New Zealand as a reliable, high-standard partner known for strict food safety measures and GMO-free products, expressing interest in establishing a stable, long-term trade framework with Bangladesh.
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H. Chowdhury and Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman were also present at the meeting.
