Hanoi (VNA) ♋– The Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Business Association in Bangladesh, organised the "Vietnam-Bangladesh cross-border e-commerce promotion forum" on March 25.

Held in Dhaka, the event attracted over 100 delegates from both countries, including Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong, officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, leaders of the Vietnam Business Association in Bangladesh, as well as high-ranking officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, and the E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (E-Cab). The forum served as a crucial platform for 12 Vietnamese enterprises operating in e-commerce, agricultural products, fertilizers, and steel structures to connect with over 90 Bangladeshi businesses. Participants engaged in active discussions on the significant trade cooperation potential between the two nations, particularly in cross-border e-commerce. Vietnam and Bangladesh possess complementary trade structures. Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia and the world, with a projected market value of 25 billion USD in 2024. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, with a population exceeding 170 million, developing technology infrastructure, and a young workforce, presents promising opportunities for future collaboration. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong underscored the long-standing friendship between the two nations over the past five decades, which has continued to be deepened. He emphasised the importance of strengthening trade ties, particularly in the context of rapid advancements in technology and e-commerce. The ambassador encouraged businesses from both sides to enhance exchanges and partnerships to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the global market. Discussions at the forum highlighted various areas where Vietnam and Bangladesh could complement each other. Vietnam could supply rice, coffee, pepper, agricultural products such as ginger, onions, and garlic, and construction materials, while Bangladesh could provide pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical raw materials, and jute to Vietnam. Participants recognised the pivotal role of e-commerce in facilitating trade, boosting economic growth, and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. Besides, Premier Bank LTD of Bangladesh expressed its commitment to supporting payments for import-export transactions, ensuring smoother trade exchanges. On this occasion, Vietnamese businesses showcased their products and services, expressing strong interest in expanding their presence in the Bangladeshi market. The event provided a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with potential partners, market insights, and the development of more effective business models, contributing to the sustainable growth of both economies. The forum concluded with a dynamic and productive business-matching session. Several trade agreements and contracts in the agricultural sector were signed./.