Special Correspondent //

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro held discussions regarding a potential visit to Italy aimed at increasing Italian investment, technical cooperation, and business partnerships within Bangladesh’s leather industry. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance and Planning, was also present at the meeting.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that the primary objectives of the proposed visit to Italy would be to attract new investors, enhance technical collaboration, and expand international partnerships for Bangladesh’s leather sector.

During the meeting, the Italian Ambassador proposed visits to Milan, Florence, and Rome to showcase the capabilities, eco-friendly production systems, and investment potential of Bangladesh’s leather industry to Italian businesspeople and investors.

He suggested that effective connections with potential investors could be established through meetings with business associations in Milan, visits to the leather industrial zones in the Tuscany region (Florence), and government-level discussions in Rome.

Emphasis was placed on ensuring international-standard certification, robust environmental management, and an investment-friendly climate within Bangladesh’s leather industry. The Italian Ambassador noted that progress in these areas would further strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships between companies from both nations.

Waste management at the Savar Leather Industrial Estate was also a key topic of discussion. The Bangladeshi side indicated that large factories would be encouraged to establish their own waste management facilities, while a central facility would be maintained for smaller factories. Additionally, plans are being formulated to recycle industrial waste.

The meeting also addressed the registration process for the Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh. Concluding the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about further strengthening trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between Bangladesh and Italy.

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