The Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Douglas Foskett, on March 7 urged the Bangladeshi businessmen and exporters to pursue new business opportunities for tapping market in Australia. Foskett said Bangladesh should have an effective trade policy so that exporters can explore opportunities in the Australian market. Business linkages continue to be very important part of our bilateral relationship, and the expansion of two-way trade between Australia and Bangladesh would be a very welcome reflection of the close relations we enjoy, he said at the launching ceremony of a trade brochure Australia expanding your export horizons.

The two-way trade between Bangladesh and Australia was approximately US$209 million in the 200506 fiscal year. Launching the brochure, Foskett said the publication is aimed to encourage Bangladeshi exporters to target Australia as their market for future exports. It would be helpful for the Bangladeshi businessmen, he hoped.

In July 2003, the Australian government granted duty free market access to 49 least developed countries, including Bangladesh. To qualify for the duty-free access, manufactured goods must meet the rules of origin requirement.

The Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Richard Rodgers, said local exporters now mainly export garment products to Australia. He said Demand for Bangladeshi garments is increasing in Australia. Australia is a wide market and the prospect for exploring the market for other products like ceramics, potteries and other nontraditional items is very bright, he added. He hoped that Australia could be a right destination for the Bangladeshi products.