Dhaka: The first-ever Bangladesh-Morocco Business-to-Business (B2B) Meeting Platform was officially launched in Rabat, aiming to strengthen trade, investment, and green innovation partnerships between the two countries.

The platform was inaugurated by Shama Obaed Islam during her two-day official visit to Morocco, marking a major step in expanding Bangladesh’s economic engagement with Africa and Europe, read a press release.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the State Minister said the platform was established to promote “high-value, innovation-driven, and people-centered partnerships” that would help create industries, jobs, and sustainable growth in both countries.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s growing economic capabilities, she noted that the country has emerged as the world’s second-largest garment exporter while also expanding its footprint in pharmaceuticals, ICT, leather, ceramics, light engineering, and food processing sectors. She also conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s invitation to Moroccan investors to consider Bangladesh as a strategic investment destination.

Promotion of Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based products featured prominently in the discussions. The State Minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s modernized jute industry, producing biodegradable and carbon-absorbing products increasingly used in automotive and fashion industries, aligns 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 said.

A special exhibition showcasing Bangladeshi jute products was also organized at the premises of the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce. The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by the State Minister and Hassan Sakhi, President of the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.

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

To further strengthen the initiative, a high-level Moroccan business delegation is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in November 2026 to explore economic zones, industrial hubs, and innovation centers for potential investment partnerships and joint ventures.

Among others present at the event were Sadia Faizunnesa, Syed Md. Nurul Basir, Director General of the Department of Jute, Abdur Rouf Mondol, Director General (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Sahela Akter, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industries.

Later in the day, the State Minister delivered a lecture titled “Bangladesh Foreign Policy: Focus on Africa” at the Moroccan Institute for Training, Research and Diplomatic Studies in Rabat. In her address, she highlighted the BNP-led government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, focusing on protecting national interests while strengthening constructive international partnerships.

She also underscored the growing potential for Bangladesh-Africa cooperation in areas such as trade, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.