THE Bangladesh ambassador to the Philippines is pushing for trade ventures between his country and Bacolod City, particularly in the garments and agriculture sectors.
Ambassador John Gomes, who graced the 37th MassKara Festival highlights Sunday, told SunStar Bacolod that he was able to talk with city government officials about some trade concerns, including partnerships that they can venture into.
Gomes said Bangladesh is second in the world in terms of producing and exporting ready-made garments.
“Bacolod can actually be linked up with the success story of Bangladesh in terms of its garments industry, so we would like to see how we can do business with the city in this area," he said.
In agriculture, the Bangladesh envoy has recognized the potential of the city as well as the entire Negros Occidental.
Gomes cited the huge sugar production of the province which Bangladesh could actually source out through direct importation.
He noted that Bangladesh produces a surplus of potatoes with market price of only P20 per kilo, which is being exported to other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and even to Russia.
“This is another trade venture that we are looking at," Gomes said, adding that Bacolod can import potatoes from Bangladesh and sell it at a price lower compare to the current market price in the Philippines of about P100 per kilo.
For his part, Mayor Evelio Leonardia welcomed the plans of the Bangladesh ambassador, saying the city would really benefit from this possible ventures.
Leonardia said the presence of the envoy in the MassKara Festival is an indication of the latter’s strong intention to help the city by bringing in investment opportunities.