Iran’s Agricultural Products Have a Good Market in Bangladesh
TEHRAN (Iran News) At the meeting, the President of the Zanjan Chamber highlighted two active industries in the province, Iran Transfo and Pars Switch, as key players in the electricity sector. He emphasized that these companies have significantly contributed to Zanjan becoming a major hub for the electricity industry.
He also mentioned the large textile factories in Zanjan, noting that the province holds a special position in the textile industry at the national level, making it one of the province’s key strategic value chains.
Yousefi Asl stressed that Zanjan has a long-standing history in the copper industry and boasts strong businesses in this sector. Copper is one of the most important metals found in Zanjan, widely used in various industries, with its handicrafts also enjoying a favorable market.
He further added that the zinc industry has also flourished in Zanjan, with 90% of zinc producers based in the province.
The President of the Zanjan Chamber noted that a significant portion of the country’s olive production comes from the Tarom region of Zanjan. Additionally, the cities of Qeydar and Mahneshan are recognized for their production of wheat, legumes, and rainbow trout.
In the field of handicrafts, he pointed out that Zanjan has skilled artisans in knife-making. He also noted that the city’s well-known silver filigree craft, supported by skilled labor and appealing products, has led Zanjan to be recognized globally as a “world city of filigree.”
During the meeting, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, the Ambassador of Bangladesh in Tehran, stated that Iran produces excellent agricultural products, and there is a good market for them in Bangladesh. However, due to insufficient connections between traders and economic players, only a small quantity of these products currently reaches Bangladesh.
He emphasized the need to establish a mechanism and system for financial interactions, noting that the role of governments in this area is crucial, while private-sector economic players must work to foster partnerships and commercial interactions.
The Bangladeshi ambassador said that Iran’s current trade volume with Bangladesh is about $100 million annually, but there is potential to increase it to over $1 billion.
He emphasized the importance of greater recognition and interaction between the economic players of both countries, adding that Bangladesh is active in the pharmaceutical and textile sectors and imports various chemical, petrochemical, and cement products from Iran.
Karim Khan Chowdhury also mentioned that some mineral stones from Zanjan are exported to Bangladesh and noted that both Iranian and Bangladeshi economic players are well aware of each other’s market opportunities.
Referring to the geographic proximity of the two countries, he highlighted that the traders understand each other’s needs well, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.
Mohsen Afsharchi, the Governor of Zanjan, also highlighted the province’s industrial, agricultural, academic, and scientific capabilities, stating that Zanjan holds an exceptional position in various economic sectors in the country.
He further remarked that these capacities have facilitated greater cooperation with foreign countries and stressed the need to utilize these capabilities to enhance collaboration.
Afsharchi identified the lack of a direct route between Iran and Bangladesh as one of the challenges in fostering cooperation, explaining that shipping and handling at ports increase costs, and there is a need to find suitable solutions for this issue.
