Bangladesh, Morocco launch first-ever B2B platform to boost trade and green industrial ties

Bangladesh and Morocco have launched their first-ever bilateral business-to-business (B2B) platform in Rabat, aiming to boost trade, investment and green industrial cooperation between South Asia and Africa.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam formally inaugurated the platform on Tuesday (19 May) during her two-day official visit to Morocco, describing the initiative as a new corridor for commerce, innovation and sustainable growth, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The platform is established to catalyse high-value, innovation-driven and people-centred partnerships — not trade for trade's sake, but trade that builds industries, creates jobs, accelerates technology transfer and drives sustainable growth on both sides," Shama said in her inaugural remarks.

Highlighting Bangladesh's strategic position between South and Southeast Asia, the state minister said Bangladesh has emerged as the world's second-largest garment exporter, a pharmaceutical supplier to over 150 countries, and a growing hub for ICT, leather, ceramics, light engineering and food processing industries.

She also conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's invitation to Moroccan businesses to consider Bangladesh as a key investment destination.

The promotion of Bangladesh's jute and jute-based products emerged as one of the key priorities of the newly launched platform.

Shama said Bangladesh's modernised jute industry, which produces biodegradable and carbon-absorbing products increasingly used in the automotive and fashion industries, aligns closely with Morocco's expanding industrial sector.

"As African countries increasingly move to restrict single-use plastics, demand for biodegradable alternatives made from jute is expected to rise significantly, positioning Bangladesh as a major supplier," she added.

An exhibition showcasing Bangladeshi jute products was also organised at the chamber premises and jointly inaugurated by the state minister and Hassan Sakhi, president of the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce.

The B2B event, organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Rabat in collaboration with the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, brought together around 30 leading Moroccan business leaders and a seven-member Bangladeshi business delegation.

Officials said a high-level Moroccan business delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh in November 2026 to explore economic zones, industrial hubs and innovation centres, paving the way for future investment partnerships and joint ventures.