Trade and industries

FOREIGN TRADE is the official source for U.S. export and import statistics and responsible for issue regulations governing the reporting of all export shipments from the United States. If you're searching for import or export statistics, information on export regulations, commodity classifications, or a host of other trade related topics, this is the place to get the information you need.

A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information which is not generally known or practically ascertainable, by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers. In some jurisdictions, such secrets are referred to as "top secret information", but should not be referred to as "classified information", due to the nature of the word in the USA.

Trade secrets are by definition not disclosed to the world at large. Instead, owners of trade secrets seek to protect trade secret in sequence from competitors by instituting special procedures for handling it, as well as technological and legal security measures. Legal protections include non-disclosure agreements (NDA) and non-compete clauses. In exchange for an opportunity to be employed by the holder of secrets, an employee may sign an agreement not to reveal his or her likely employer's proprietary information. An employee may also surrender or dole out to his employer the right to his own intellectual work produced during the course (or as a condition) of employment. breach of the agreement generally carries the possibility of heavy financial penalties. These penalties operate as a disincentive to reveal trade secrets. Though proving a breach of a non-disclosure agreement against a former employee who is legally working for a competitor can be very difficult. A holder of a trade secret may also require similar agreements from other parties he deals with, such as vendors or licensees.

Protection of trade secret can, in standard, extend indefinitely and then may provide an advantage over patent protection, which lasts only for a specific period of time. Coca-Cola, for model, has no patent for its formula and has been very effective in protecting it for many more years than the twenty years of security that a patent would have provided. In fact, Coca-Cola refused to reveal its trade secret under at least two judges' orders.The inconvenience is that there is no protection once information protected as trade secret is uncovered by others through reverse engineering, for example, whereas patent has a guaranteed time of protection in exchange for disclosing the in order to the community.

World trade

To acquire rights in a trademark under U.S. law, one must simply use the mark "in commerce." It is possible to register a trademark in the U.S., both at the federal and state levels. (Registration of trademarks confers some advantages, including stronger protection in certain respects, but it is not required in order to get protection.) Registration may be required in order to file a lawsuit for trademark infringement. Other nations have different trademark policies and this information may not apply to them. Assuming the mark in question meets certain other standards of protectibility, it is protected from infringement on the grounds that other uses might confuse consumers as to the origin or nature of the goods once the mark has been associated with a particular supplier. (Similar considerations apply to service marks and trade dress.) By definition, a trademark enjoys no protection (qua trademark) until and unless it is "disclosed" to consumers, for only then are consumers able to associate it with a supplier or source in the requisite manner. (That a company plans to use a certain trademark might itself be protectible as a trade secret, however, until the mark is actually made public.)

A company can protect its confidential information through non-compete and non-disclosure contracts with its employees (within the constraints of employment law, including only restraint that is reasonable in geographic and time scope). The law of protection of confidential information effectively allows a perpetual monopoly in secret information - it does not expire as would a patent. The lack of formal protection, however, means that a third party is not prevented from independently duplicating and using the secret information once it is discovered.

urveillance of national trade policies is a fundamentally important activity running throughout the work of the WTO. At the centre of this work is the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM). All WTO members are reviewed, the frequency of each country’s review varying according to its share of world trade. 

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.  

On this site, consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen.  Businesses can learn how to help their customers deal with identity theft, as well as how to prevent problems in the first place.  Law enforcement can get resources and learn how to help victims of identity theft.

Read on to find out more about identity theft and what you can do about it.

Here's an example of a "yen carry trade": a trader borrows 1,000 Japanese yen from a Japanese bank, converts the funds into U.S. dollars and buys a bond for the equivalent amount. Let's assume that the bond pays 4.5% and the Japanese interest rate is set at 0%. The trader stands to make a profit of 4.5% as long as the exchange rate between the countries does not change. Many professional traders use this trade because the gains can become very large when leverage is taken into consideration. If the trader in our example uses a common leverage factor of 10:1, then she can stand to make a profit of 45%. 

World trade organization

The big risk in a carry trade is the uncertainty of exchange rates. Using the example above, if the U.S. dollar were to fall in value relative to the Japanese yen, then the trader would run the risk of losing money. Also, these transactions are generally done with a lot of leverage, so a small movement in exchange rates can result in huge losses unless the position is hedged appropriately.

A strategy in which an investor sells a certain currency with a relatively low interest rate and uses the funds to purchase a different currency yielding a higher interest rate. A trader using this strategy attempts to capture the difference between the rates, which can often be substantial, depending on the amount of leverage used.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, and yet couldn't get it without paying fees or buying other services. TV ads, email offers, or online search results may tout "free" credit reports, but there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report. 

Many companies claim to offer free credit reports – and some do. But others give you a report only if you buy other products or services. Still others say they’re giving you a “free” report and then bill you for services you have to cancel. If you go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com and follow the prompts for your free credit report, you can be sure the reports you get really are free. 

Looks like the Nets aren’t waiting for Dwight Howard’s situation to get resolved before making moves. According to Nets Daily, they just went ahead and traded for Joe Johnson, whose contract will have Brooklyn unable to re-sign Deron Williams and still make a deal for the Orlando big man this summer. More details: “The Nets have all but completed a trade for Joe Johnson, the six-time all-star, league sources tell NetsDaily. In return, the Hawks get expiring contracts and a first round pick. NOT included in the trade: MarShon Brooks and Gerald Green. The Nets also didn’t have to give up their own first round pick in the trade. The trade will not be finalized until July 11. Johnson, who is still owed $89.3 million over the next three years, was dealt for Anthony Morrow; Jordan Farmar, who will be bought out at Atlanta’s expense; Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, a signed-and-traded DeShawn Stevenson and the Rockets 2013 lottery protected first round pick.”

Trade agreements usually involve a detailed list of rights that nations must provide to authors of new works -- including any original content from books to software. But while the deals often include general provisions, permitting countries to adopt exceptions to those rights, they have never been explicitly required.

Those exceptions are what allow for the existence of everything from libraries to movie reviews. They're also critical for a host of internet operations, which frequently reference or make use of copyrighted material under well-established "fair use" standards and other key exemptions.

We're encouraged that the USTR (United States Trade Representative) has acknowledged that we can have strong and balanced copyright," said Matthew Schruers, vice president of law and policy at the Computer and Communications Industry Association, a tech lobbying organization. "There is still much more to be done, on this issue, other IP issues, as well as issues outside of the IP space. Nevertheless, this is an important first step toward modernizing the trade framework for the twenty-first century."

The USTR -- the White House agency, led by Ron Kirk, that's responsible for negotiating the Trans-Pacific deal -- said this new outline aims to enhance the framework of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"The TPP is intended to be a 21st century agreement, covering a number of emerging issue areas, and it’s clear that this is an issue of major importance to many stakeholders," said USTR spokesperson Carol Guthrie in a written statement. "After consulting with them and with our trading partners, we’ve decided to further enhance our framework."

Tech policy and transparency in the Trans-Pacific deal have generated some concern among a few members of Congress, who have said that key staffers were denied access to draft negotiation documents, even though more than 600 corporate officials were able to view the documents through positions on advisory panels. 

Fair trade

Trade in Russia

Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Shmakov discussed trade unions' activities and bear measures for different economic sectors in connection with Russia's accession to the World Trade Organisation.

In his discussion with the Chairman of the Independent Trade Unions Federation, Mr Putin noted that trade unions should take part in conniving support measures for the different economic sectors in connection with Russia's accession to the WTO.

Mr Shmakov informed the President that a meeting of the Russian Tripartite Commission, which brings together representatives of state authorities, employers, and trade unions, proposed to make regular analyses at area level of the effects of various processes after Russia ratifies the protocol on joining the WTO in order to take measures to minimise or prevent possible negative impact.

Vladimir Putin supported the initiative and noted that the unlike agencies should develop support measures for the various economic sectors at the first stage of Russia's WTO accession.  

Mr Shmakov also proposed getting trade union representatives and employers involved in the implementation and monitoring of the presidential supervisory orders on social policy.  The President noted that he has established a commission specifically to monitor implementation of socioeconomic development policy. This commission is headed by the President himself, and Mr Putin stressed that the Independent Trade Unions Federation will also take part in its work. 

Extending permanent normal trading relations isn't a gift to Russia. It is a smart, strategic investment in one of the fastest growing markets for U.S. goods and services. It's also an investment in the more open and rich Russia that we want to see develop.

As the demonstrations across Russia over the past six months make clear, the country's middle class is demanding a more transparent and accountable management, a more modern political system, and a diversified economy. We should support these Russian efforts.

When Russia joins the WTO, it will be required—for the first time ever—to establish predictable tariff rates, ensure transparency in the publication and enactment of laws, and adhere to an enforceable mechanism for resolving disputes. If we extend permanent normal trading relations to Russia, we'll be able to use the WTO's tools to hold it accountable for meeting these obligations.

The Obama administration is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. WTO membership alone will not suddenly create the kind of change being sought by the Russian people. But it is in our long-term strategic interest to join forces with Russia in areas where our interests overlap.

Already our work together over the past three years has fashioned real results, including the New Start Treaty to reduce strategic nuclear weapons, an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation, military transit arrangements to support our efforts in Afghanistan, and cooperation on Iran sanctions. With everlasting normal trading relations, we would add expanded trade to the list.

To be sure, we have real differences with Russia. We disagree essentially about the situation in Georgia. On Syria, we are urging Russia to push Bashar al-Assad to implement former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's six-point plan, end the violence, and work with the international community in promoting a transition.

In addition, President Obama and I have clearly expressed our serious concerns about human rights in Russia. And we have taken steps to address these challenges, including support for programs that promote human being rights, rule of law, and civil society there. We have strengthened ties between nongovernmental organizations in both countries, from political activists to groups working for women's rights. Following the tragic death of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who blew the shrill on official corruption, we imposed restrictions to ensure that no one implicated in this crime can travel to the United States. We are continuing to work with Congress on addressing these issues.

Some argue that continuing to apply Jackson-Vanik to Russia would give us some leverage in these areas of disagreement. We disagree—and so do leaders of Russia's political opposition. They have called on the U.S. to terminate Jackson-Vanik, despite their concerns about human rights and the Magnitsky case. In fact, retaining Jackson-Vanik only fuels more anti-American sentiment in Russia.

Russia's membership in the WTO will soon be a fact of life. Failing to extend permanent normal trading relations will not penalize Russia, nor will it supply a lever with which to change Moscow's behavior. It will only hurt American workers and American companies. By extending those trading relations, we can create new markets for our people and support the political and economic changes that Russia's people are demanding. These reforms will ultimately make Russia a more just and open society as well as a better partner over the long term for the U.S.

Membership of the organization will loosen Russia’s steadfast protectionism towards its economy. At the moment there are prohibitively high import duties on many goods, which guard the local market against cheaper foreign products. Russia also has very high interest rates on loans, which many MPs and observers say is stifling growth. Government ministers have conceded however that the economy will contract at first while Russia adjusts to international rules. Some analysts agree predicting that federal revenues will shrink by around 4 billion pounds in the first year alone. Sergei Sutyrin is a WTO chair-holder and head of the Department of World Economy at Saint-Petersburg State University. He argues that the long-term benefits are much more important.

Trade in Russia

“It’s the possibility to participate in setting the rules international trade is conducted. WTO is basically the main and only establishment in charge of that. Unless we are members of the WTO, we are not able to express our concerns and to influence on how these rules of the game are defined and that is extremely momentous because these rules are basically negotiable. They are not given by God or somebody else. That’s the opportunity to be treated equally according to the rules of the WTO, by foreign companies and foreign governments.”

For years the liberals, communists and the Just Russia Party have staunchly resisted WTO entry. They are now trying to appeal the parliamentary votes in Russia’s constitutional court. If successful Russia would not join the global trade body later this year as expected. The government would have to renegotiate the terms of accession with the WTO, a process that could take years. But Alexey Portanskiy, the head of the Information Bureau on Russia’s accession to the WTO thinks that that scenario is highly unlikely.

“The constitutional court said that the protocol of the accession is not in negation with the constitution, so it is in line with Russian constitution. I think the communists have no chance in this movement.”

The communists, however, have found support from a group of influential company directors. They recently signed a petition calling for Russia to reject the WTO and stick to more protectionist policies. Those opposed to Russia’s taking office to the WTO claim that it’s protectionism that promotes investments. They say that with such policies Russia can sustain the investments that need for its economy to grow and diversify. But Sergei Sutyrin, the chair-holder of the WTO and professor of economics disagrees saying that theory is flawed.

“We perceive a relation between trade and investment, in other words, the investment is precisely the result of the trade, but real life is a little bit different. We also have complementarily between two issues. Because in many cases companies invest precisely in order to promote trade. So, from that point of view top tariffs in many cases are not the additional incentives for investors.”

Russia now has to formally notify the trade group of the parliamentary votes within one month before it can be officially admitted as a member. That means Russia could for the first time ever be trading according to international rules as early as the end of August.

Russia's legislative body, the Duma, plans to take up a vote on WTO membership Tuesday. Policymakers in the U.S. Congress will have a choice to make as well: permanently normalize trade with Russia or force American workers and businesses to lose out on more open access to the world's ninth-largest economy.

Maine already has strong trade ties to Russia, thanks to companies like General Electric and Procter & Gamble. In 2011, the state exported more than $13 million in goods to Russia. Normalizing trade would open trade with Russia even further and help protect the state's exports.

This is hardly a choice at all. If Congress grants Russia permanent normal trade relations, it sets the stage for replication America's annual exports to the country -- from $11 billion today to $22 billion in 2017.

But if Congress fails to normalize trade with the country, WTO rules will allow Russia to deny benefits to the United States -- putting at risk that same $11 billion, and all the jobs that go with it.

Boost the economy or give our foreign competitors a leg up on international trade? It really is that simple. Russia is going to join the WTO no matter what the U.S. chooses, so legislators would be especially foolish to turn down this opening.

The complication is that in order to grant Russia permanent normal trade relations, legislators will have to scrap a 38-year-old trade restriction known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment. That law was designed to help ensure that Soviet Jews and victims of religious persecution had the right to freely immigrate to the U.S. by linking foreign trade status to immigration restrictions.

Jackson-Vanik was necessary at the time, but now it's outdated. In 1992, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia voted to allow free emigration for all citizens. America's leaders know all this, and have acted accordingly. Every year since 1992, Presidents from both parties have certified Russia as complying with the anxiety of Jackson-Vanik.

It's time to finally do away with this restriction that the United States has affirmatively decided to ignore for 20 years -- and permanently normalize trade with Russia.

Granting Russia permanent normal trade relations won't require the U.S. to adjust any of its trade tariffs, though it will make Russia accountable in international intellectual property agreements and WTO dispute resolution.

But these benefits will be ours only if Congress establishes permanent normal trade relations with Russia.

Normalizing trade opens valuable markets for American businesses at no cost to the United States -- it's estimated, for example, that Russia will need to spend $500 billion on infrastructure. That's a lucrative opportunity for American workers and businesses.

The state of Maine has a strong economic interest in seeing this deal work. Trade is already an important part of the economy: In 2010, the state's exports totaled $3.2 billion and made up 6.1 percent of the state's total economy. In 2008, exports were directly or indirectly responsible for 21,000 jobs in the state.

Thanks to WTO member rules, the state's trade position would become even stronger under a normalized trade administration.

Last year, the state exported a total of $13.9 million in goods to Russia alone, including $8.1 million in aircraft and parts. Once in the WTO, Russia will be required to reduce its tariffs on aircraft engines to 5 percent from 10 percent.

Cattle exports from Maine to Russia totaled more $5 million last year. Russia's WTO member agreement would help preserve that trade by construction any changes to future livestock important rules subject to WTO challenge.

Trade in Russia

Unemployment in Maine clocked in at 7.2 percent in March. That's better than many states, but the question still remains: Can the state's economy really afford to turn down this opportunity?

Already there is bipartisan support for granting Russia permanent normal trade relations: Four U.S. senators recently introduced legislation to permanently wipe Jackson-Vanik from the books and grant Russia permanent normalized trade status in the process.

In 1994, Russia was the world's 16th-largest economy and only 4 percent the size of the U.S. economy. Per capita gross domestic product was only $1,865. Today, Russia is the seventh-largest economy. Its per capita GDP is nearly $13,000. Russia's population, now about 142 million, declined over the intervening years but just reversed the trend.

Russia, says U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, is only the United States' 20th-largest trading partner with $42.9 billion in two-way goods trade in 2011.

Russia's parliament, facing a July 23 deadline for its WTO invitation, is scheduled to vote Tuesday to join the WTO. Once the agreement is ratified, Russia automatically joins the WTO 30 days later.

However, for U.S. companies to trade competitively with Russia, Congress must sweep away some outdated Cold War restrictions and grant “everlasting normal trade relations” status to Russia. A PNTR bill sponsored by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is pending.

Granting PNTR trade status “is not a gift to Russia,” Kirk stressed in recent congressional testimony. Russia would have to lower tariffs, agree to protect foreign brands and copyrights, enforce food safety standards and conduct rules-based dispute resolution. The United States would not make any trade concessions because its tariffs already are low.

Despite its concessions, Russia wants WTO membership because it believes it will attract additional foreign investments that can diversify and strengthen its economy.

Passera is to look at energy cooperation, infrastructure development and industrial agreements on his Russian visit. The general setting of access to the Russian market and the crisis in the eurozone will also be among the main topics on the agenda of minister of economic development Corrado Passera, on his first official visit to Moscow today and tomorrow. As announced by the Italian Embassy in Russia, in his two days in Moscow Passera will meet: deputy prime minister with accountability for energy, Arkady Dvorkovich, energy minister, Aleksander Novak, industry and trade minister, Denis Manturov, and transport minister, Maxim Sokolov. Italy is one of Russia's main economic and trading partners. Trade totalled 46 billion dollars in 2011, 22.6% higher than 2010 and closing in on pre-crisis figures (53 billion). Nearly half of the total volume of imports from Russian (45%) consists of gas and oil, whose prices last year were particularly high. Energy will be at the heart of the visit, also preparatory to that of prime minister Mario Monti, expected by the end of July. AGI was told that in this sector Italy would like Russia to speed up the South Stream development (the gas pipeline that would bring 63 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Europe) and that Russia will ask Italy for support in the negotiations with Brussels to gain exemptions in the Third Energy Package.

Russia - the largest economy outside the global trade organization - has spent 18 years trying to negotiate its entry into the body. Now that the talks are over, the Russian government, which has strongly advocated the entry, is facing criticism from many businesses and opposition politicians that the WTO membership would hurt house producers by flooding the market with cheaper imports.

Activists including several dozen Communist Party deputies staged a protest outside the State Duma Tuesday morning to protest Russia's accession, which is considered a done deal since the Duma is controlled by President Vladimir Putin's party.

"The WTO is death to Russia!" one of the posters held by a protester.

Thousands of Russian businesses are wary that the low import duties and caps on subsidies that are a condition of joining the WTO will hurt their businesses. The government, however, insists that the WTO rules will help weed out inefficient players from the market and make Russian companies and their goods more competitive abroad.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/10/4620256/russia-to-ratify-agreement-for.html#storylink=cpy

 Russia, the ninth largest economy in the world, would also make itself subject to the WTO dispute resolution system, which gives the United States an important tool to hold Russia accountable for its WTO promises and its future actions on trade.

But the United States will be unable to benefit from these market-opening and rule-of-law changes unless Congress agrees to establish U.S. permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia. The United States routinely grants PNTR to other countries to ensure consistent and fair trade relations, and WTO rules entail that all member countries treat each other by the same standards.

Once Russia joins the WTO this summer, the WTO's other 150-plus countries will immediately enjoy this significant new access to Russia's 142 million consumers, which includes a growing middle class.

Brazil has imposed special taxes on inbound capital to cool its capital market and stop the real appreciating. China doesn't even pretend to run an open currency or trade regime and despite the huge investment there, foreign companies have a hard time making money or getting profits out. And the administrative trade barriers to foreign business in India are legendary.

In this setup, Russian companies (and foreign companies) are in a much better position to capitalize on the free flow of goods and capital that WTO membership offers. And it is already happening: bear in mind that a quarter of the $85 billion of capital flight in 2011 was actually Russian companies reinvesting profits earned from their foreign assets abroad. (These profits never touch Russian shores and have nothing to do with the Russian economy, but are included in the capital flight numbers because of an accounting quirk.)

There is already a steady stream of consumer-related businesses arriving in Russia, such as all the fast-food companies that arrived last year, like KFC and Burger King. 

The Russian parliament is expected to vote to join the World Trade Organization (WTP) on Tuesday, giving Congress a short window to either adopt trade legislation or risk seeing U.S. companies trail competitors in the world's ninth-largest economy.

Establishing normal trade relations with Russia is a no-brainer for U.S. businesses eyeing a vast export market, but lawmakers in the House and Senate are still debating how to do that while retaining leverage over the country on human right

Russia intends to drive home that point by sending a high-ranking parliamentary delegation to Washington right after the vote to make the case for permanent normal trade relations on Capitol Hill and to the media.

The four Russian senators will focus their discussions on Russia's accession to the WTO, Russian-American bilateral trade and the 2009 death of whistle blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, according to the Russian embassy.

Both parties have latched onto Magnitsky's death, which happened while he was in police custody, to press Russia on human rights. House and Senate panels have passed bipartisan legislation placing financial and travel restrictions on Russian officials involved in Magnitsky's death and other human rights abuses, but Russia has vowed “retaliation” if it becomes law.

Lawmakers are at odds over whether to link the Magnitsky bill to the legislation normalizing trade relations, which has yet to clear either chamber. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), whose Senate Finance commission has jurisdiction over trade, has proposed doing so, but his counterpart on the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. David Camp (R-Mich.), disagrees with the move.

Four Russian senators are in Washington today to urge Congress to do away with Cold War-era trade restrictions, a day after the Russian parliament voted to join the World Trade Organization. The Russian senators are also expected to make the case to lawmakers and the U.S. media that Congress should not replace the trade restrictions with human-rights legislation that would slap trade and financial sanctions on Russian human-rights abusers.

Tuesday's vote starts a 30-day clock at the end of which Russia will automatically become a member of the WTO. If Congress hasn't established permanent normal trade relations with Russia by then, U.S. businesses will be at a competitive advantage with the rest of the world for access to the world's ninth-largest economy.

 The Union aims to create an EU-like suprantional group in the Caucasus. Currently, the group is effectively a customs union but by 2015, the goal is to create a regional free-trade zone with a Eurasian Economic Commission to oversee joint policies, and an independent court to judge rules breaches. Unified monetary, tax and macroeconomic policies are eventually supposed to follow.

The reason, of course, is the closed nature of the Russian market, which allows big companies to charge huge margins with impunity and has lead to the astronomical growth and creation of a super-rich class filled by all businessmen that have profitably set up and captured a market niche. That will start to change.

Trade in Russia

Trade fair in bangladesh

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce is set to organize the 17^th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2012 from January 01 - 31, 2012 at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The event is expected to provide an immense opportunity both for buyers and sellers to establish new business contacts. A wide range of products including textile & garments, leather & leather goods including footwear, machinery equipment pharmaceuticals,carpets,chemical& allied products, cosmetics & beauty aids, dairy products, electrical and electronic items, food stuff, gift & novelty items,handicrafts, household appliances, furniture, building materials, sports goods, sanitary ware, toys and stationery and watches, clocks & jewellery will be displayed at the fair.

GREENBUILD BANGLADESH is one of the most significant events in the country which targets on the green technology and eco-friendly habitat solutions. It intends to gather together all the stakeholders in the domain, for knowledge sharing and dissemination of information to facilitate the development and use of green building products and technologies.
The GREENBUILD BANGLADESH will also facilitate your objective and allow for a cross section of dialogue and information sharing through the allied activities & educate its target audience on the latest eco friendly building materials and technology which generally used in developed countries.

Venue: Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka,Bangladesh

Visitor Registration GARMENTECH BANGLADESH
Date: 16-JAN-13 to 19-JAN-13
GARMENTECH BANGLADESH 2013 is a dedicated showcase for the Textile & Garment machinery & accessories industry for the Indian sub-continent region. It will be most effective marketing platform for manufacturers penetrating Indian textile & apparel market. This is the 12th edition of the session and the most comprehensivetechnology tradeshow for the apparel industry in Bangladesh.

Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka,Bangladesh

Visitor Registration International Fabrics & Accessories Sourcing Fair Dhaka

trade fair

Date: 16-JAN-13 to 19-JAN-13
International Fabrics & Accessories Sourcing Fair 2013 (IFA Sourcing Fair)Being held concurrently with the largest apparel technology tradeshow of Bangladesh, Garmentech Bangladesh 2012, International Fabrics & Accessories Sourcing Fair- Dhaka is a platform conceived to address the apparel fabrics and garment accessories sourcing needs of the Bangladesh clothing and knitwear manufacturers and exporters. International Fabrics & Accessories Sourcing Fair- Dhaka will have on display latest fabric collections from domestic and overseas fabric manufacturers and distributors along with the hot collections of trimmings and embellishments.

Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka,Bangladesh

Visitor Registration Bangladesh Int'l Plastics Packaging Printing Industry Exhibition
Date: 23-JAN-13 to 26-JAN-13
Bangladesh Dhaka International Packaging Industry Exhibition is an important exhibition of packaging and processing machinery, materials and associated technology in France. Bangladesh Dhaka International Packaging Industry Exhibition will be a grand meeting for the world packaging industry.

Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka,Bangladesh

Visitor Registration Bangladesh IPF-Foodtech
Date: 23-JAN-13 to 26-JAN-13
Bangladesh IPF-Foodtech is an exclusive industrial fair dedicated to the companies which are in the fray of producing quality equipments, supplies and machinery in the processing of food and bakery products. The exhibition is scheduled to be held in the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh in the course of 4 days. The exhibitors will find the event to be encompassed with great potential as it tries to give them a platform from where they can find exposure and visibility for the products that they represent.
Bangladesh IPF-Foodtech is expected to play host to more than 200 exhibiting companies and 15000 trade visitors from all across the world. The exhibiting companies will be coming from countries like Austria, Malaysia and USA.

Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka,Bangladesh

“The past BNP government had inked an agreement secretly with India on transit and now they are doing politics with the issue,” Khan said, adding: “The present government won't do any treaty with India or other countries by keeping the people under complete dark.”

“To us, the interest of Bangladesh's people is our prime concern and our government will do every agreement or law with this consideration,” he said. 


Commending the arrangement of trade fair for the 17 consecutive year, the minister hoped that such a fair is mainly aimed at promoting local products to foreign markets.  

The Powerhouse for Promoting Bangladesh German Trade Relations

by Md Saiful Islam, President of BGCCI

Germany is Bangladesh’s second largest export market worldwide. In high-end technology and machinery Germany is also one of Bangladesh’s most important import partners. With a total volume of more than EUR 2.8 billion in 2010 our mutual trade relations are outstanding and contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s sustainable development.

Headed by Executive Director Mr. Daniel Seidl, the team of the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI) works for advancing and strengthening the vibrant economic relations between our two countries.
Today, the BGCCI is the biggest bilateral European chamber in Bangladesh, boasting over 250 member companies from Bangladesh and Germany covering all major sectors. To support the businesses of its members the BGCCI offers a unique set of services such as tailor-made market analysis and research, match-making between potential partners, staff recruitment and dispute settlement. The BGCCI also hosts monthly networking events, promoting a friendly business environment for its members and boosting the country’s vibrant business community.
One of the BGCCI’s highlights is the organization of the annual German Trade Show. This three day-long event is the biggest trade show in the country. It brings together companies and entrepreneurs from Germany and Bangladesh, offering them an opportunity to present their products and services to more than 25.000 visitors. The German Trade Show 2011 will be held on October 27 - 29 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The “Global Social Responsibility Conference” of 2010 marks another notable event in the Chamber’s history. With over 200 top CEOs from Germany and Bangladesh attending, the conference provided an exceptional platform to discuss business strategies in the field of “Social Business” and “Corporate Social Responsibility”.
Besides the partnership with the German Embassy the Chamber works closely together with the German Development Cooperation. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the KFW Entwicklungsbank, as well as the German civil society organization Konrad Adenauer Foundation are all situated together with the BGCCI in the German House in Gulshan-2.

trade fair

The Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry understands the needs of German and Bangladeshi enterprises. Its expertise and knowledge of the cultural specifics and characteristics of the German and Bangladeshi markets makes it the number one contact for all newcomers who wish to establish their companies in either Bangladesh or Germany. The Chamber intends to develop and explore new fields of economic cooperation that will increase trade and investment for the benefit of both our countries.
If you wish to have more information on the BGCCI and its activities please visit the website and do not hesitate to contact the BGCCI team at: info@bgcci.com

 Power And Lighting Expo will be held in Bangladesh. This show will be organized for three days, this is one of the most eminent and significant show for the techno commercial industries. This event will be focusing on the power generation, renewable of energy, building automation, quality power and other such application.
Power And Lighting Expo will display the latest products and services, machinery tools, equipments and industry developments which will help in boost up market sale and business profits. The exhibitors will directly meet their targeted customers. The show will also provide with ideal networking opportunities and long term relation with the customers. The visitors will get the latest information on the technologies and products. The visitors will be allowed to get hold of the products and services at the show.

A complete trade show list in Bangladesh. Find your specific Agriculture Trade Shows, Food & Marine Trade Events, Apparel & Clothing Trade Exhibitions, Automotive Trade Shows, Clearing & Forwarding Trade Events, Furniture Trade Shows, Medical & Pharmaceutical Trade Fairs, Travel & Tourism Trade Shows .etc in Bangladesh.

Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF), the largest international trade fair in the country for the last thirteen consecutive years and the event has been a total success with respect to enthusiastic participation by leading local, foreign and multinational business & manufacturing enterprises of Asia, Europe, USA and African countries. 

Located in southern Asia, Bangladesh is situated on the Bay of Bengal between Burma and India. The tropical climate of Bangladesh causes a long, rainy season that forces many residents out of their homes during monsoons. The rains along with political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, and insufficient power supplies make it difficult to implement change. SERRV works with artisan cooperatives in Bangladesh to support local infrastructure, provide needed income to families, and assist in material and educational expenses for local residents.
 

trade fair

Bangladesh balance of trade

Bangladesh - Balance of payments 

The continuing trade deficit has been offset in small part by private transfers, mainly from earnings of workers in the Middle East, but large amounts of foreign aid and heavy short-term borrowing are needed to handle the balance-of-payments problem. In FY 1991/92, the infusion of $1.59 billion in foreign aid and transfers helped lessen a negative balance of payments. In 1995, the trade deficit widened and there was a stagnation in the growth of remittances from overseas workers. The rising trade deficit, coupled with a decline in international aid disbursements due to political turmoil, caused foreign exchange reserves to drop from a peak of $3.4 billion in April 1995 to $2.1 billion by the end of 1996, and $1.7 billion by 1999.

During the 1990s, the manufacturing sector revived, due to export growth led by garments and knitwear. Bilateral quota systems with developed country markets, whose quota regimes limited the exports of many competing Asian suppliers, were a factor in the growth of garment exports starting from 1994. Other factors contributing to the success of the garment industry in Bangladesh include few governmental regulations; the provision of customs-bonded warehouses for imported cloth; and financial arrangements allowing foreign banks to finance raw materials inventories. Nevertheless, Bangladesh must diversify its export base in order to improve its trade imbalance—garments and knitwear continue to account for 75% of export earnings. Leather and shrimp are potential growth sectors. The elimination of the quota system on textiles and clothing under the WTO was due to expire in 2005, and Bangladesh will need to improve the performance and quality of its garment export sector 

world trade

 

Bangladesh-Balance and Terms of Trade 

Bangladesh has had a negative trade balance since independence in 1971. In the mid-1980s, the annual pattern was for exports to cover only around 30 percent of the cost of imports (see table 14, Appendix). Merchandise exports reached the value of US$1 billion in FY 1987 for the first time, and in that year import payments were US$2.6 billion, leaving a trade deficit of over US$1.5 billion, about average throughout the 1980s. The annual deficit was limited by government controls to between US$600 and US$700 million on capital goods and US$500 million on nonagricultural industrial commodities. The largest component in the latter category was crude oil and petroleum products. In addition, Bangladesh incurred a debt each year for grain and other food needs, always higher than US$200 million, and sometimes going to double or even more (at least US$607 million in FY 1985). The country had a positive balance on nonfood agricultural production, because jute and ready-made garment exports eliminated the deficit in fibers, textiles, and garments. 

In FY 1986, the United States was the leading buyer of Bangladeshi exports, taking some 25 percent of the total. The American portion had increased from 16 percent the year before and 12 percent the year before that. The dynamic new element was readymade garments; the United States purchased over 80 percent of this new industry's production, adding to Bangladesh's traditional base of jute manufactures (mostly carpet backing) and seafood. The next biggest customer for Bangladesh (but with only 28 percent of the American volume) was Japan, which chiefly purchased frozen seafood. Other important customers in FY 1986 were Britain, Italy, Pakistan, Singapore, and Belgium. Trade with communist countries was also significant. Almost 10 percent of exports were under barter terms with the Soviet Union, China, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

One way the society has been able to turn its economic problems and overpopulation to some advantage is by exporting workers to wealthy, Islamic countries, chiefly in the Persian Gulf. The remittances from these workers have come to constitute one of Bangladesh's greatest sources of foreign exchange. In FY 1986 remittances were nearly US$575 million, covering 23.5 percent of import financing requirements and substantially exceeding the total receipts from jute, the chief export. The government maintained records only of new recruits working abroad each year--a peak of 77,694 in 1985--but knowledgeable observers believed that possibly as many as 450,000 were overseas at any one time. Throughout the 1980s, more than a third went annually to Saudi Arabia with a peak of 39,350 new recruits in 1987 (see table 6, Appendix). Other countries receiving large number of Bangladeshi workers in 1987 included the United Arab Emirates (9,953), Kuwait (9,559), Qatar (5,831), and Iraq (3,847). Such workers normally contracted to remain abroad three years and often stayed several years longer. They worked as laborers, under terms negotiated government to government, and generally lived under segregated conditions that effectively prevented Bangladeshi men (who cannot bring their families with them) from assimilating with the local population or experiencing non-Bangladeshi ways of life. When they have returned to Bangladesh with savings and material acquisitions, they generally have had no difficulty fitting back into their society.  

balance trade

Balance of Trade refers to the difference between the value of a country's merchandise exports and the value of its merchandise imports. The trade regime of Bangladesh has undergone many changes over the years. Initially, it followed a line of import substitution, implying a stress on restricting imports. The country also had difficulties in import financing during the 1970s. But with the change in government policy towards promoting a laissez faire economy and with inflows of foreign aid in increased volumes, Bangladesh started to import more in the early 1980s. There was a marked departure in the trade policy of the country in the 1990s, when its trade regime was substantially liberalised with the implementation of the Financial Sector Reforms programme.

The export policy of the country up to 1990 was characterised by adoption of ad hoc measures, which discouraged the growth of the manufacturing sector having high export potentialities. The two-year export policy announced in 1993 contained a lot of incentives. Later, the government announced a five-year export policy for 1997-2002, which aimed at increasing production and trade through attracting entrepreneurs to establish export-oriented industries, improving the balance of payments through narrowing the trade gap with the diversification of exportables, and expanding the export base, developing marketability of export items, and establishing backward linkage with export-oriented industries. The new export policy contains an export development strategy leading to intensive export-oriented activities.

Bangladesh has been experiencing deficits in her trade balance despite adoption of many export promotion measures during the 1980s and 1990s. The deficit in the trade balance of the country increased from 8.5% of the GDP in 1975-76 to 14.1% of the GDP in 1981-82, and then gradually declined to 6.6% of the GDP in 1991-92. The deficit remained at a moderate level during the 1990s and was 6.9% of the GDP in 1997-98 and 5.5% of the GDP in 1999-2000. The decline in deficits in the trade balance was due to faster growth of exports during 1984-85 to 1994-95. During this period, there was a significant shift in the structure of the export sector from primary goods to manufactured goods and from traditional to non-traditional items of exports. The percentage share in the value of traditional items of exports declined from 97.27 in 1972-73 to 68.99 in 1982-83, and further to 12.17 in 1994-95. The percentage share in the value of manufactured commodities, on the other hand, increased form 57.03 in 1972-73 to 64.58 in 1982-83 and further to 86.98 in 1994-95. This marked shift in the structure of exportable goods was due to the substantial growth of the readymade garments sector during this period.

Along with the growth in exports, the import payments of Bangladesh also showed continuous increase. Export receipts as percent of GDP increased, amidst fluctuations, from 4.0 in 1974-75 to 6.9 in 1984-85, and further to 13.3 in 1994-95. Import payments as percent of the GDP, on the other hand, increased sharply from 8.0 in 1974-75 to 19.7 in 1984-85, and further to 22.6 in 1994-95. There were some structural changes in the composition of imports. Import payments in respect of major primary goods declined from $836 million in 1984-85 to $585 million in 1989-90, but rose to $868 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,448 million in 1998-99. On the other hand, import payments in terms of major intermediate goods increased from $433 million in 1984-85 to $567 million in 1989-90, to $924 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,104 million in 1998-99. Import of capital goods increased substantially from $691 million in 1984-85 to $1,296 million in 1989-90, $1,688 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,969 million in 1998-99. Despite the steep rise in import payments, a corresponding rise in export receipts helped in restricting the growth of the trade deficit. 

Bangladesh Balance of Trade

Bangladesh reported a trade deficit equivalent to 1196 Million USD in January of 2012. Historically, from 1995 until 2012, Bangladesh Balance of Trade averaged -1309.2400 Million USD reaching an all time high of -56.4000 Million USD in August of 2009 and a record low of -5370.6000 Million USD in June of 2008. Bangladesh exports mainly ready made garments including knit wear and hosiery (75% of exports revenue). Others include: Shrimps, jute goods (including Carpet), leather goods and tea. Bangladesh main exports partners are United States (23% of total), Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan and India. Bangladesh imports mostly petroleum product and oil, machinery and parts, soyabean and palm oil, raw cotton, iron and steel and wheat. Bangladesh main imports partners are China (17% of total), India, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan. This page includes a chart with historical data for Bangladesh Balance of Trade.

Balance of Trade
The balance of trade is the difference between the monetary value of exports and imports in an economy over a certain period of time. A positive balance of trade is known as a trade surplus and consists of exporting more than is imported; a negative balance of trade is known as a trade deficit or, informally, a trade gap. The balance of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as international aid. If the current account is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position. The Balance of Trade is identical to the difference between a country's output and its domestic demand - the difference between what goods a country produces and how many goods it buys from abroad; this does not include money respent on foreign stocks, nor does it factor the concept of importing goods to produce for the domestic market

world trade

Bangladesh Current Account

Bangladesh reported a current account surplus equivalent to 264 Million USD in the fourth quarter of 2011. Historically, from 2005 until 2011, Bangladesh Current Account averaged 547.0600 Million USD reaching an all time high of 1417.0000 Million USD in September of 2009 and a record low of -557.0000 Million USD in June of 2005. Current Account is the sum of the balance of trade (exports minus imports of goods and services), net factor income (such as interest and dividends) and net transfer payments (such as foreign aid). This page includes a chart with historical data for Bangladesh Current Account.

Current Account
Current Account is the sum of the balance of trade (exports minus imports of goods and services), net factor income (such as interest and dividends) and net transfer payments (such as foreign aid). The balance of trade is typically the most important part of the current account. This means that changes in the patterns of trade are key drivers in the current accounts of most of the world's economies. However, for the few countries with substantial overseas assets or liabilities, net factor payments may be significant. Positive net sales to abroad generally contributes to a current account surplus; negative net sales to abroad generally contributes to a current account deficit. Because exports generate positive net sales, and because the trade balance is typically the largest component of the current account, a current account surplus is usually associated with positive net exports. The net factor income or income account, a sub-account of the current account, is usually presented under the headings income payments as outflows, and income receipts as inflows. Income refers not only to the money received from investments made abroad (note: investments are recorded in the capital account but income from investments is recorded in the current account) but also to the money sent by individuals working abroad, known as remittances, to their families back home. If the income account is negative, the country is paying more than it is taking in interest, dividends, etc. For example, the United States' net income has been declining exponentially since it has allowed the dollar's price relative to other currencies to be determined by the market to a point where income payments and receipts are roughly equal of trade forms part of the current account, which also includes other transactions such as income from the international investment position as well as international aid. If the current account is in surplus, the country's net international asset position increases correspondingly. Equally, a deficit decreases the net international asset position.

Current account balance (BoP; US dollar) in Bangladesh

The Current account balance (BoP; US dollar) in Bangladesh was last reported at 2502421559.43 in 2010, according to a World Bank report released in 2011. The Current account balance (BoP; US dollar) in Bangladesh was 3556126394.05 in 2009, according to a World Bank report, published in 2010. The Current account balance (BoP; US dollar) in Bangladesh was reported at 926185438.56 in 2008, according to the World Bank. Current account balance is the sum of net exports of goods, services, net income, and net current transfers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.This page includes a historical data chart, news and forecasts for Current account balance (BoP; US dollar) in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is considered as a developing economy which has recorded GDP growth above 5% during the last few years. Microcredit has been a major driver of economic development in Bangladesh and although three fifths of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, three quarters of exports revenues come from garment industry. The biggest obstacles to sustainable development in Bangladesh are overpopulation, poor infrastructure, corruption, political instability and a slow implementation of economic reforms.

trade balance

 

Improving trade with Bangladesh

Balance of Trade refers to the difference between the value of a country's merchandise exports and the value of its merchandise imports. The trade regime of Bangladesh has undergone many changes over the years. Initially, it followed a line of import substitution, implying a stress on restricting imports. The country also had difficulties in import financing during the 1970s. But with the change in government policy towards promoting a laissez faire economy and with inflows of foreign aid in increased volumes, Bangladesh started to import more in the early 1980s. There was a marked departure in the trade policy of the country in the 1990s, when its trade regime was substantially liberalised with the implementation of the Financial Sector Reforms programme.

The export policy of the country up to 1990 was characterised by adoption of ad hoc measures, which discouraged the growth of the manufacturing sector having high export potentialities. The two-year export policy announced in 1993 contained a lot of incentives. Later, the government announced a five-year export policy for 1997-2002, which aimed at increasing production and trade through attracting entrepreneurs to establish export-oriented industries, improving the balance of payments through narrowing the trade gap with the diversification of exportables, and expanding the export base, developing marketability of export items, and establishing backward linkage with export-oriented industries. The new export policy contains an export development strategy leading to intensive export-oriented activities.

Bangladesh has been experiencing deficits in her trade balance despite adoption of many export promotion measures during the 1980s and 1990s. The deficit in the trade balance of the country increased from 8.5% of the GDP in 1975-76 to 14.1% of the GDP in 1981-82, and then gradually declined to 6.6% of the GDP in 1991-92. The deficit remained at a moderate level during the 1990s and was 6.9% of the GDP in 1997-98 and 5.5% of the GDP in 1999-2000. The decline in deficits in the trade balance was due to faster growth of exports during 1984-85 to 1994-95. During this period, there was a significant shift in the structure of the export sector from primary goods to manufactured goods and from traditional to non-traditional items of exports. The percentage share in the value of traditional items of exports declined from 97.27 in 1972-73 to 68.99 in 1982-83, and further to 12.17 in 1994-95. The percentage share in the value of manufactured commodities, on the other hand, increased form 57.03 in 1972-73 to 64.58 in 1982-83 and further to 86.98 in 1994-95. This marked shift in the structure of exportable goods was due to the substantial growth of the readymade garments sector during this period.

Along with the growth in exports, the import payments of Bangladesh also showed continuous increase. Export receipts as percent of GDP increased, amidst fluctuations, from 4.0 in 1974-75 to 6.9 in 1984-85, and further to 13.3 in 1994-95. Import payments as percent of the GDP, on the other hand, increased sharply from 8.0 in 1974-75 to 19.7 in 1984-85, and further to 22.6 in 1994-95. There were some structural changes in the composition of imports. Import payments in respect of major primary goods declined from $836 million in 1984-85 to $585 million in 1989-90, but rose to $868 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,448 million in 1998-99. On the other hand, import payments in terms of major intermediate goods increased from $433 million in 1984-85 to $567 million in 1989-90, to $924 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,104 million in 1998-99. Import of capital goods increased substantially from $691 million in 1984-85 to $1,296 million in 1989-90, $1,688 million in 1994-95, and further to $1,969 million in 1998-99. Despite the steep rise in import payments, a corresponding rise in export receipts helped in restricting the growth of the trade deficit.

Bangladesh provided a series of incentives to augment her export earnings viz., duty drawback facilities, tax holidays, bonded warehouse facilities, income tax rebates, availability of credit to exporters at concessional rates, retention of foreign exchange by exporters, the export credit guarantee scheme, Export Development Fund, depreciation of taka against dollar, etc. Consequent upon taking all these measures, export receipts from traditional items of exports continued to decline while export of manufactured products continued to increase during the nineties. The percentage share of traditional exports in total export earnings declined from 25.51 in 1990-91 to 12.17 in 1994-95, to 8.41 in 1997-98 and further to 7.55 in 1999-2000. The percentage share of manufactured products increased from 82.18 in 1990-91 to 86.98 in 1994-95, to 90.27 in 1997-98, and further to 92.45 in 1999-2000. The emergence of exportable goods like leather and leather goods and frozen foods in addition to readymade garments, added a new dimension to the export market of Bangladesh, leading to a rise in export earnings from manufactured goods.

The rise in import payments was faster than the rise in export earnings, resulting in the persistence of the trade deficit in Bangladesh. Faster rise in import payments occurred due to the liberal import policy pursued by the government, rise in prices of petroleum products, rise in food imports from time to time and also due to increased imports of intermediate goods and capital goods during the 1980s and 1990s.

Projects and Programmes

The European Union is among the three biggest donors of grants to Bangladesh. It ranks fifth for overall development assistance.

The EC-Bangladesh Country Strategy for 2007-13 is funded with an indicative total amount of €410 million under the EC's Development Cooperation Instrument country allocation. The present strategy focuses mainly on three areas where the EC's comparative advantages are best able to contribute to delivering Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets.

1. Human and social development especially in education and health to further help achieving the sectors’ MDGs.

2. Good governance and human rights strengthening governance institutions and Bangladesh’s democracy, improving the delivery of public services, strengthening public financial management, and promoting the protection of human rights, including minority rights. Substantial support to the Chittagong Hill Tracts development process and to Rohingya refugees fall also under this area.

3. Economic and trade development – With the EU being Bangladesh’s no. 1 trade partner, the EU has a comparative advantage in enhancing competitiveness and investment climate in Bangladesh by supporting measures to improve trade and private sector development into an overall pro-poor growth approach.

Trade Relations With Bangladesh Improving: Pranab

trade centre

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that trade relation with Bangladesh is improving and India will take steps to correct the imbalance.

"The overall relation, including trade, is improving with Bangladesh and there is a need to improve trade relations more as India exports more than it imports from that country," Mukherjee said at the inauguration of a car pass project between India and Bangladesh at this land customs station.

Mukherjee said that last November, India allowed a large number of items to enter from Bangladesh at zero duty.

He said this step would correct, to some extent, trade imbalance between India and Bangladesh.

The Finance minister said that both the countries enjoy same cultural heritage and national poets are also the same.

All these would lead to a healthy relationship between the two countries, he added.

Bangladesh Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said that the Sheikh Hasina government had been always engaged in improving ties with India.

"We are also getting reciprocal gesture from India," he said.

About the car pass project, by virtue of which trucks from both the countries can enter respective areas, he said it would facilitate India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) in association with the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK organized A two-day Regional Symposium on 'Improving Trade Flows in and from South Asia: Overcoming Logistics Challenges'  held on 22nd June and 23rd June 2011 from 9:30 am to 5.00 pm on the day 1 and 09.30 am to 4.00 pm on the day 2 at Ruposi Bangla Hotel (Former Hotel Sheraton), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, Honourable Minister,  Ministry of Commerce Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh had kindly consented to be the Chief Guest at the event.

The objective of the Symposium is to assess and identify the existing bottlenecks in improving the trade facilitation system in South Asia. This symposium will bring together senior representatives from the government, policy makers, and the private sector, development partners, academia, corporate houses and media to discuss the logistics challenges and suggest possible recommendations to facilitate the intra-regional trade in South Asia. In this regard your expertise and active participation will enrich the discussion.

improving trade

India, Bangladesh extend protocol to liberalise trade

Sunday, 01 April 2012 13:54

New Delhi: Commerce Secretaries of India and Bangladesh - Rahul Khullar and Mohammad Ghulam Hussain respectively extend the countries'' bilateral trade treaty by three years.

They made the announcement here on the conclusion of the two-day long talks, which were the first bilateral secretary-level talks between India in eight years.

"There is an overarching framework agreement which guides how the relationship is to be managed. Within that context, I am pleased to announce that we have come to an agreement, that the trade treaty, which was due to expire on the 31st of March, will be renewed for a period of three years," Khullar said.

Speaking in favour of a freer flow of goods between the two countries, Khullar stressed on the importance of trade ties between the sub-continental neighbours.

"It''s a very vital strategic partnership. I particularly welcome the point that Mr. Hussain, the commerce secretary made repeatedly, which is that our relationship at the broadest, highest levels is at one of its peaks, and we must continue to nurture that relationship carefully, judiciously, so that it flourishes," he said.

Hussain said that the benefits of improving trade relations between the two countries would become more visible with time.

"Everything is now duty-free to India, except 525 items of tobacco and liquor. So, Bangladesh has just given these benefits a few months back. It will take some time, and already there are some positive signs of improving relations. In terms of preferential market access, the opportunity is being used by the exporters of Bangladesh," he added.

Speaking on the fact that India''s exports to Bangladesh far exceeded imports, Hussain said that the matter must be placed in context. Most of Bangladesh''s imports comprising machinery and raw material for manufacturing goods, he said that these imports helped the overall export rate of Bangladesh.

"Many people have talked about this trade gap. Personally, as Commerce Secretary, I am not very worried about that, because I would like to see, what are the products we are importing and what is the use of those products? That helps us to get more exports. That is also true. But in any case, Bangladesh''s exports to India are also growing at a very fast rate," he added.

The Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and Bangladesh was originally signed in 1980.The Agreement provides for expansion of trade and economic cooperation, making mutually beneficial arrangements for the use of waterways, railways and roadways, passage of goods between two places in one country through the territory of the other

Delhi, Dhaka on trade train

With over 100 Indian companies already in Bangladesh, it is not surprising that the country is on the banking radar. From Bharti Airtel, which has invested close to $1 billion, to the AV Birla Group, Arvind Mills and Sun Pharma and even smaller players who make fans, plastic products and garments, several Indian players are sensing an opportunity across the border.

The concessions given on export of textiles are beginning to have an impact and there is already a clamour for protection from Bangladesh, which is now among the largest textiles exporters. Indian officials, however, dismissed suggestions that import of textiles from Bangladesh were affecting the local industry, saying the local market was worth nearly $35 billion (Rs 1.82 lakh crore).

But officials from both sides recognize that there are several bottlenecks, starting with the pile-up of trucks at the border.

Bangladesh is also willing to open up more to Indian companies. They have said they are willing to offer one or two special economic zones to Indian companies. So far there has been no takers but expectations are that the plan will soon take off.

Bangladesh officials say the potential for raising bilateral trade is immense. Both sides have recognized the potential and it is upto the policymakers to seize the initiative to nurture the relationship which analysts say can accelerate the pace of regional integration in South Asia and transform the lives of people living along the India-Bangladesh border.

earn by trade

Improving rights for shipbreaking workers in Bangladesh
IMF delegation meet with Industry and Labour Ministers to discuss the need for improving the health, safety and rights of workers in the Chittagong shipbreaking yards, where workers currently toil under intolerable conditions.

BANGLADESH: "'Shipbreaking Act coming soon' to protect workers rights", is the news headline in the national press in Bangladesh, quoting Industries Minister, Dilip Baruac, after an International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) delegation met with him on July 18 to discuss improving working conditions and rights in the shipbreaking industry.

The IMF delegation also met with the Labour Minister, Eng. Khandker Mosharraf Hossein, on the same day to highlight the serious concern of international trade unions about the intolerable working conditions in the shipbreaking yards in Chittagong and the lack of inspection mechanisms imposed on the shipbreaking owners.

Reference was made to the recent death of six workers in a shipbreaking yard, two of whom were burned alive. The unacceptable rate of fatalities and  life-crippling work accidents due to a complete lack of protective measures and lack of compliance with international guidelines have earned the shipbreaking yards the name of "death trap".

During the meetings with the government Ministers, IMF stressed the need to defend shipbreaking workers' rights to organize without being threatened or immediately dismissed by the shipbreaking owners and subcontractors, since Bangladesh has also ratified International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98 on the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Both Ministers indicated that they are aware of the situation and are working towards a law to protect workers' rights.

The IMF delegation, which included IMF affiliates in Bangladesh and the IMF affiliate for shipbreaking workers in India, assured them that IMF and the international trade union movement will be closely following the government's initiatives.  As the IMF delegation said, "If shipbreaking is seriously considered to be one of the  industrial driving forces in Bangladesh, the Government must demonstrate its political will to enforce workers' rights so that shipbreaking can become the pride of Bangladesh, instead of being the shame of Bangladesh."

Earlier, the IMF delegation visited shipbreaking yards in Chittagong with their affiliates and held a two day workshop with the participation of workers from the shipbreaking yards, journalists and Arun Kanti Das, Assistant Director of Labour in Chittagong in order for the IMF to get a clearer picture of the situation in Bangladesh. 

Turkish Airlines introduces direct flight from Dhaka

DHAKA, Feb 22 (BSS) - The Turkish Airlines, which operates flights between Istanbul and Dhaka via Karachi, has decided to operate direct flights from March 25, said a press release. The decision to establish the direct air connectivity between the two countries was taken during the Turkish Prime Minister's visit to Bangladesh in November 2010. Bangladesh embassy in Ankara played an important role in converting the flight into a direct one. The decision of introducing it as a direct flight was raised by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with the Turkish premier during their meeting in May 2011 in Istanbul. Officials expect that the new direct flight of the airlines would certainly have a positive impact in further improving trade and investment between Bangladesh and Turkey.

trade industries