DHAKA: Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Clay Forau Soalaoi held an exploratory meeting with a Bangladesh delegation led by the Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed at the margins of the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Bali, Indonesia on Friday.

The objective of the meeting was to identify possible trade and investment opportunities for mutual cooperation between the two countries.

Issues raised with the Bangladesh delegation include attracting investments from Bangladesh into Solomon Islands in garments manufacturing, investment in pharmaceutical drugs processing, agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Bangladesh is the second largest garment producer and exporter in the world.

Speaking at the exploratory meeting, Soalaoi said Solomon Islands needs to diversify its economic base not only to create employment opportunities for its growing population but also to generate income for economic development and growth.

Minister Forau also suggested as a start, officials and investors from Bangladesh could visit Honiara to further discuss and identify potentials which could result in tangible benefits for both countries.

In response, Bangladesh Commerce Secretary welcomed the initiative and promised to raise the same with his government.

He also invited Minister Forau to visit Bangladesh to further progress the issues raised.

Source: islandsbusiness.com
BDST: 1225 HRS, DEC 09, 2013