BD-Morocco trade reaches $804m
Bangladesh and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their long-standing bilateral partnership, with Dhaka expressing optimism that cooperation between the two countries will reach new heights in the years ahead despite untapped trade and investment potential.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo made the remarks while addressing a reception at the Sheraton Dhaka on Thursday marking the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI and the National Day of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Describing Bangladesh and Morocco as longstanding friends, the minister said the relationship is rooted in mutual respect, shared values and common aspirations.
“I recall with appreciation that Morocco was one of the earliest countries to recognise Bangladesh on 13 July 1973 following our independence. Diplomatic relations were formally established long ago and ever since, our friendship has continued to grow,” he said.
Moroccan Ambassador to Bangladesh Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali also addressed the reception, which was attended by senior civil and military officials, diplomats, politicians, business leaders, members of civil society and representatives of the media.
Highlighting economic cooperation, Mintoo said bilateral trade reached approximately US$804 million in the 2024-25 financial year. Bangladesh exported goods worth US$22.30 million, while imports from Morocco totalled US$781.90 million, largely comprising fertilisers.
He noted, however, that the existing trade volume does not reflect the full potential of the relationship and stressed the need to diversify trade and investment for the mutual benefit of both countries.
To help reduce the trade imbalance, the minister said Bangladesh is prepared to expand exports of readymade garments, knitwear, home textiles, jute and jute products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, frozen fish, leather goods and light engineering products.
He expressed hope that a Moroccan business delegation would visit Bangladesh in November 2026 and invited Moroccan entrepreneurs and investors to explore Bangladesh’s investor-friendly environment and incentives available for foreign investors.
At the same time, Mintoo encouraged Bangladeshi businesses to explore commercial opportunities in Morocco, noting that the North African nation offers preferential market access to more than 95 countries across Africa, Europe and the Middle East through its extensive network of free trade agreements.
Emphasising the cultural dimension of the relationship, the minister said that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Morocco share deep historical and cultural links through the Islamic world.
He said regular exchanges involving art exhibitions, film screenings, literary festivals and academic collaborations could further strengthen people-to-people ties while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both nations.
The minister also recalled former President Ziaur Rahman’s visit to Morocco in 1981 to attend the Al Quds Committee meeting, describing it as a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations.
On multilateral cooperation, Mintoo said Bangladesh and Morocco work closely within the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement, often sharing common positions on international and regional issues.
He welcomed Morocco’s role in hosting the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in Rabat, saying it has contributed to deeper cooperation among OIC member states in education, science, culture and technology.
The minister said bilateral cooperation already covers trade, education, culture and technical collaboration, while regular exchanges of high-level visits and interactions between government and private sector representatives continue to strengthen the partnership.
He added that enhanced connectivity, stronger business-to-business engagement and more frequent high-level exchanges would further consolidate relations between the two friendly countries.
Referring to Bangladesh’s current foreign policy, Mintoo said the government led by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman remains committed to advancing friendship, economic prosperity and development through mutually beneficial partnerships under its “Bangladesh before All” policy.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Morocco in trade, investment, agriculture, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.
The minister also praised the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Dhaka for its active role in promoting bilateral ties, facilitating high-level engagement and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Concluding his remarks, Mintoo congratulated the Government and people of Morocco on the occasion of their National Day and wished the Kingdom continued peace, prosperity and progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
