<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has highlighted the imperative of tapping into unexplored trade opportunities between Bangladesh and African countries.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He attended at an interaction session held on Thursday at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum Bangladesh 2023 in Dhaka.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Momen underscored the critical need to establish robust trade and investment relations with African countries, particularly in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, energy, blue economy and information and communication technology (ICT).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The session also shed light on Bangladesh's visionary 'Look Africa' policy, which represents a strategic commitment to bolster relations with African nations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This outlines various areas of cooperation, including trade and the economy, education, IT and ICT, air and maritime connectivity, healthcare, contract farming, people-to-people contact and visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Bangladesh's dedication to fostering deeper connections with the African continent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The foreign minister also stated that Bangladesh is one of the world's fastest-growing economies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The country's focus on enhancing engagement with African nations aligns with its ambitious economic and social development trajectory, aimed at achieving Vision 2041 and creating a Smart Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He also highlighted that new African markets have opened doors for Bangladeshi enterprises, leading to diversification in export destinations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite challenges, the potential for economic cooperation between Bangladesh and African nations remains promising, Momen said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He also stated that Bangladesh will welcome any election observers from African countries in our upcoming National Parliament Election scheduled to be held in early January 2024.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ministers from several African countries, High level government delegates and business entities attended this event. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">bnbd24/kh</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div>