Bangladesh-Philippines to Boost Green Energy and Transport

Philippine ambassador to Bangladesh Nina P. Cainglet today spoke at exchange meeting with investors and businessmen at World Trade Center Agrabad in Chattogram. Photo : BSS

Ambassador Cainglet highlighted the Philippines' achievements in various technical sectors, including renewable energy, medical equipment, and electric vehicles. She stressed that there is significant potential to further enhance bilateral trade, noting that economic relations between the two countries have not yet reached their full potential despite existing ties.

“There is plenty of scope to improve trade relations,” she said, urging the Bangladesh-Philippine Chamber of Commerce to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between businessmen and investors from both countries to accelerate economic cooperation.

The ambassador also suggested that Bangladesh could consider increasing imports of Halal food products from the Philippines, as the country is renowned for its agro-products and processing industries. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation as Bangladesh approaches its graduation from LDC status in 2026.

Mohammad Anwar Pasha, Administrator of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), noted that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the Philippines had been steadily growing. In 2023, Bangladesh exported goods worth $94.8 million to the Philippines, while imports amounted to $38.2 million.

Pasha also called on the ambassador to encourage Philippine entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh’s specialized economic zones, particularly in joint ventures, given Bangladesh's strategic location on the global economic map.

The event was attended by several notable business leaders, including Honorary Consul of the Philippines, M.A. Awal, former CCCI director Zahirul Islam Chowdhury Alamgir, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association Syed Md Arif, and other local entrepreneurs.