State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu today directed the economic ministers and commercial counselors under the Ministry of Commerce to find new markets for the country's exportable products, including jute and leather products.

The state minister also ordered all the commercial counselors of those countries, in which they are working, to work from now on to ensure at least one stall at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) in next year.

Besides, not only exports, Ahsanul but also directed the authorities concerned to monitor the production and price of those items, especially the essential items, being imported from various parts of the world and thus send those reports to the Ministry of Commerce.

The State Minister for Commerce gave such instructions to the commercial counselors working in 23 countries by connecting via online from the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce, said a press release.

He said that there is a need to work on the matter on how to ensure export of alternate products in those countries where Bangladesh is currently importing more compared to its exports in order to strike a balance in trade.

"If there is any trade barrier (tariff and non-tariff), steps should also be taken to resolve it quickly," he added.

Ahsanul asked all the commercial counselors to send the list to the ministry along with the prices of the first 10 import and export products of those countries where they are working or stationed. Measures should be taken for exports through finding out what products have demand in which country, he added.

He emphasized on branding Bangladeshi products by holding regular meetings and seminars with respective country's importers and exporters, business associations, trade bodies and even by building relationships at the individual level.

The State Minister also advised all to work with patriotism to transform the goals and objectives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into a reality.
Suggesting the commercial counselors to become more innovative by learning the languages of the countries where they are working, he also asked them to know about the commercial statistics among the countries which are in international and regional alliances.
Ahsanul also said that a plan will be framed by the ministry within next July and thus they should have to perform their duties accordingly to fulfill the target of the plan.

He said emphasis should be given on the diversification of products by reducing the dependence on the garment industry.

Noting that there are many exportable products, including agro-food, sea food, plastic, ceramics, bicycle, furniture and tea, Ahsanul said necessary measures should be taken to seize the new markets for their exports.

At the same time, he said alternative markets for imports should have to be sought on an urgent basis. "It won't work being solely dependent on any country."

Presided over by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan and senior officials of the Ministry attended the meeting through online.