Bangladesh must diversify its product portfolio and enhance the promotion of its products within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), stated Nguyen Manh Cuong, chairman of the Asean Dhaka Committee.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Mahbubur Rahman, the president of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, at the chamber's office in the capital's Gulshan recently, according to a press release.

Manh Cuong, also the Vietnamese ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasised that Asean countries view Bangladesh as a nation with vast opportunities to expand its exports to the bloc.

He was accompanied by Nina P Cainglet, the Philippine ambassador to Bangladesh, Haji Haris Bin Haji Othman, high commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Bangladesh, U Kyaw Soe Moe, the ambassador of Myanmar to Bangladesh, and Panom Thongprayoon, the minister counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy to Bangladesh.

The president of ICC Bangladesh pointed out the significant trade gap between Bangladesh and Asean nations, highlighting limited exports from Bangladesh to the region, and urged the diplomats to increase imports from Bangladesh in order to narrow the trade gap.

Additionally, he requested them to actively support Bangladesh's inclusion in Asean and in the establishment of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with these countries.

The ICC Bangladesh president also underscored Bangladesh's economic growth, investment-friendly policies, and opportunities in key industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and the energy sector.

Sapto Rudiyanto, economic affairs and IT officer of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh, expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's solar power sector.

It was further suggested that Asean countries could promote tourism and invest in the services sector, particularly in developing skilled manpower to meet global demand.

To facilitate trade, participants emphasised the importance of establishing direct air connectivity and coastal shipping routes.

AK Azad and Naser Ezaz Bijoy, vice-presidents of ICC Bangladesh, Ataur Rahman, secretary general, Ajay Bihari Saha, general manager, and Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika, deputy general manager, were also present.