Economic relations between Bangladesh and France were affected last year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bilateral trade last year came down to €2.76 billion, recording a fall of 15 per cent compared to 2019 figures, according to the embassy of France in Bangladesh. The total value of French imports from the country fell by 15 per cent in a year to reach €2.52 billion in 2020.

French exports last year to Bangladesh decreased by 12 per cent compared to 2019, amounting to €238 million, the embassy said.

Readymade garments and leather products comprise 98 per cent of French imports from Bangladesh. France remains one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets and its third customer in the European Union, considering all products.

The bilateral deficit which registered a threefold increase in the last ten years, came down to €2.23 billion last year, according to Bangla media reports.

“To reduce the huge trade deficit we are facing, France is eager to put its world acclaimed know-how and experience at the service of Bangladesh and its people, especially in the sectors where our companies’ excellence is proven worldwide. Hence, we follow with keen interest developments in such sectors as power generation (including renewable energy), rail transportation, water treatment and all environment related issues,” the embassy was quoted as saying.