'Türkiye can replace India, others as Bangladesh's key trade partner'

Bangladesh's transitional government chief Muhammad Yunus has urged Türkiye to bring its technology to his country and help build the defence industry.

“You are the leader of the technology; you can build your defence industry here. Let’s make a beginning … we are available for anything that you need,” Yunus told a delegation led by Türkiye's Trade Minister Omer Bolat on Thursday night in Dhaka.

Bolat said Dhaka and Ankara could diversify their cooperation beyond the textile industry, which was Türkiye's primary import from Bangladesh.

He said that there can be economic cooperation in the fields of defence, health care, pharmaceuticals, and farm machinery.

Bangladesh's exports to Türkiye stood at around $581 million in 2023-24, while imports were around $424 million.

“We can replace India and other markets in Bangladesh’s imports. There can be cooperation in economic and social fields at all levels,” Bolat said.

Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country in the world, said Yunus, adding that his government was working to create work opportunities for the country’s youth.

“Use our young people to run your factories here (in Bangladesh) so that you can supply your products in the region,” Yunus said.

Nearly 20 large Turkish companies are operating in Bangladesh in the sectors of garments and textiles, accessories, chemicals, engineering, construction, and energy.