The Managing Director of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Charles Jamieson, is due in the city today on a two-day visit to Bangladesh'.

The object of his visit is to promote commercial lines between Bangladesh and Australia, says a press release.

Durihg his stay in the city. Jamieson will hold discussions with the Minister for Commerce and Industry Tofail Ahnied and. the presidents of the business chambers and other leaders of the business community. He will also inaugurate a newly constructed Austrade office in the grounds of the Australian High Commission.

Australia's trade relationship with Bangladesh is strong and growing.

Total merchandise trade between the two countries was valued at AUD 350 million in 1998. up approximately 20 pr cent on the'previous year.

The two way trade has increased by over 130 per cent In the last three years.

Australia's main exports include wheat, pulses, oil seeds, dairy products and cotton. While commodities are the dominant items, Australia also exports a range of manufactured goods. Bangladesh's major exports to Australia and fertilisers, woven fabrics and textiles, leather and pottery.

The Australian High Commissioner. Charles Stuart, said Jamieson's visit will assist in further strengthening the excellent and expanding commercial relationship between our two countries.

The visit will raise awareness of the substantial opportu-nities that exist for Bangladeshi and Australian exporters to increase trade in each other's markets. Our local Austrade office performs a valuable role in bringing business people together, he added.

The Australian Trade Commissioner (Austrade) is the Australian /government's national export and investment promotion agency. Through a comprehensive global network of almost 100" offices in 67 countries and an extensive domestic network, Austrade can readily link foreign companies iWishing to source goods, service and technology with approprir

*ate Australian si^ppliers,. r

Austrade has over ZXObO' Australian companies on its electronic database, which includes product manufacturers, service providers.' Contractors; consultants, trading companies and agents.

The Austrade Database also includes companies seeking investment for expansion, or to invest either directly or as a joint venture partner in overseas business'.