Vietnam-Bangladesh Seeking to Expand Trade Cooperation

VCCI Secretary General Tran Thi Lan Anh poses for a group photo with the delegation from Bangladesh

At the headquarters of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi, VCCI Secretary General Tran Thi Lan Anh received a delegation from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce, led by Deputy Secretary Asma Sultana. Both sides exchanged views on promoting trade cooperation, sharing experiences in sustainable development, and expanding economic ties between the two countries.

The delegation included representatives from the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce, the Export Promotion Bureau, the Ready-Made Garments Sustainability Council (RSC), the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and experts from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). Notably, Shams Mahmud, a member of the Support Committee and executive director of BGMEA, was also part of the delegation.

At the meeting, RSC representatives introduced a four-year project to enhance independent monitoring in Bangladesh’s textile industry, focusing on fire and electrical safety while expanding environmental and social compliance. With over 2,000 export-oriented factories, RSC ensures quality and collaborates with Bangladesh’s Labor Ministry to uphold safety standards, boosting global competitiveness.

From Bangladesh’s perspective, quality control is not just an internal requirement of the textile industry but also a crucial part of the country’s broader export strategy. A representative from the Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau emphasized the agency’s role in exploring new markets, reducing dependence on traditional partners, and promoting the export of high-potential products such as leather, jute and pharmaceuticals. Currently, Bangladesh exports over 855 products to 213 countries, with garments accounting for a significant share, particularly in the EU and US markets.

The discussions highlighted similarities between Bangladesh and Vietnam. VCCI Secretary General Tran Thi Lan Anh affirmed that VCCI not only supports businesses in enhancing their competitiveness but also helps them leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) effectively. VCCI serves as a bridge between investors and local authorities, creating favorable conditions for sustainable business growth. With its experience in investment promotion and international cooperation, VCCI extends its support beyond textiles to other key export industries.

VCCI provides training to strengthen businesses and facilitates ISO and HACCP certifications to meet international standards. Bangladesh’s experience in sustainable development and textile industry management offers valuable insights for Vietnamese enterprises to refine their production models and align with global standards.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, deepen bilateral ties, and advance sustainable trade and investment.

Deputy Secretary Asma Sultana expressed an interest in expanding collaboration with Vietnam beyond textiles to other export industries. She emphasized that the lessons and management models from both countries would serve as a foundation for businesses to achieve sustainable growth and increase their value in the global market.