Afghanistan has expressed interest in establishing a duty-free bilateral trade arrangement with Bangladesh to deepen economic cooperation and expand two-way commerce. The proposal was raised during a meeting between Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawlawi Ahmadullah Zahid, and Bangladesh’s Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman in Dhaka.
Leading a five- to six-member delegation, Zahid said Afghanistan is seeking duty-free access for around 45 products to the Bangladeshi market, with cotton identified as a key export item. In return, Kabul has offered duty-free entry for nearly all major exportable products from Bangladesh, signaling a willingness to significantly liberalize trade between the two countries.
Afghanistan views Bangladesh as an important sourcing destination for ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, beverages, confectionery and packaged spices, the deputy minister noted. The discussions were exploratory in nature and did not involve the formal exchange of documents or proposals, according to a senior commerce ministry official.
Currently, bilateral trade between the two countries covers about 98 products. Industry sources say Afghanistan is keen to expand its exports of dry food, fruits, stones, saffron and almonds to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh sees potential to grow exports of manufactured and consumer goods. The visit follows earlier engagements, including a previous Afghan delegation’s trip to Bangladesh in recent months to explore broader trade and investment opportunities.
