The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce’s administrator, Muhammad Anwar Pasha, stressed the importance of streamlining visa procedures in order to improve commercial and investment ties with the Philippines. He made these comments in the Chamber’s World Trade Centre office while meeting with R. Gutierrez, the Philippine Embassy’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul.
Pasha emphasised Bangladesh’s notable economic development since gaining independence, pointing out that Chittagong has been essential to the country’s success in industries including information technology, shipbuilding, shipbreaking, pharmaceuticals, and ready-made garments (RMG). Bangladesh’s imports and exports to the Philippines in 2022 totalled US $ 38 million and US $ 110 million, respectively, highlighting the need for stronger trade ties between the two countries.
Pasha called for the simplification of visa procedures in order to promote business-to-business interactions, citing the complexity of visas as a significant obstacle to enhancing commercial links.
Several Chittagong leaders and representatives from the Philippine Embassy, including Honorary Consul M.A. Auwal and former senior vice president of the Chamber Ershad Ullah, attended the conference.
Given its position and possibilities for investment, Gutierrez emphasised Chittagong’s strategic significance. She told participants that the Philippine government is aggressively addressing visa concerns and is dedicated to improving trade relations. She also invited business representatives from Bangladesh to come to the Philippines to deepen ties.
Speakers pointed out that there are four or five economic zones in Chittagong where the government offers substantial advantages to foreign companies. Along with other embassy representatives, SM Saiful Alam, the coordinator of the underprivileged business community, also contributed to the meeting.