Ethiopian's invite Bangladeshi RMG maker

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs with good reputation in readymade garment (RMG) sector can explore Ethiopian market, said a business delegation from the northeastern African country at a discussion in Dhaka yesterday. A seven-member team led by President of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association Eyessus W Zafu came to Bangladesh on a five-day visit to attend public-private dialogues organised by International Finance Corporation in Bogra and Rajshahi. The country has a good reputation in the RMG sector and can look for business opportunities in Ethiopian textile market, said Zafu. "Bangladesh can take the advantage of duty- and quota-free access to American and European markets through African Growth and Opportunity Act," he said. Bangladesh can also enter the Common Market for Eastern Southern Africa, which is comprised of 22 countries, Zafu added. The IFC initiated the public-private dialogues nine months ago in Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Bogra to identify the local problems in business and economic development, and find solutions. The aim of the dialogues is to create a vibrant private sector business climate, ensure the growth of small and medium enterprises and generate employments, said Laura Watson, programme manager of Bangladesh Investment Climate Fund, which is managed by IFC. "We have learned something from the dialogues and will use those in Ethiopia," said Zafu. "We noticed a high-level awareness among the participants and the commitment they showed was inspiring." The Ethiopian team will sign a memorandum of understanding with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen business cooperation. The delegation will leave Dhaka tomorrow.