Bangladesh wants to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines to boost trade between the two countries, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said on Tuesday. Tofael, now in Manila, conveyed the interest during his meetings with the leaders of business bodies there, said an official at the Commerce Ministry here on Tuesday. The minister held meetings with President of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Miguel B Varela and President of Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CACCI) Ambassador Benedicto V Yujuico apart from Bangladeshi businessmen living in Manila. Tofail invited Filipino businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, where an investment-friendly environment exists. He assured them of identifying trade barriers and removing those quickly to help boost bilateral trade. Tofail will attend the three-day World Economic Forum on East Asia beginning in Manila on Wednesday. – UNB
