I he French Trade Show 20OO will begin In (he city on October 13 with hopes to'further boost (he existing bilateral trade between the two countries.

France Bangladesh C hamber ol Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) is organising the Iwo-day show at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel which will be Inaugurated by Commerce Minister Abdul Jalil French Charge d'Affairs lean Guy de Wargny will also be present as special guest.

"CCIFB is organising the show with a view to cementing trade and investment relations between the two friendly countries.” Francis Dubus. President of CCIFB told a press conference in the city yesterday.

Former President of the ( hamber Zilhurain Jaigirdar and Director Reefat Rashid were also present at the briefing.

Twenty companies representing ccmciH. Icler'ommiini-c afions. jxnvri pharmaceutical, electrical goods and accessories. cosmetics and services will participate tn the event to showcase French fineness tn real sector, the organisers said.

Companies like Lafarge Surma Cement Ltd. Rhone Poulenc Rorer. Alcatel. Electro Mechanical Services. Bureau Veritas (Bivac) Bangladesh Ltd Excelsior Home Appliances, franstab Ltd. Texas Resources Ltd Transcom Distribution Co. Ltd (he distributor ol French brand cosmetics - are expected to exhibit their products and services at (he exhibition.

In addition to the trade show, two French dancers will perform ballet on the opening day al 8 pm

About trade promotion. Du-bus said the Chamber is now tr\ing to help (he Bangladesh I urniture Association exporlits

products. especially garden Im nit ore. to France and is also aiding plastic bag-makers to enter the European market with French tec hnical assistance

While talking on bilateral trade. he mentioned that Bangladesh enjoys trade surplus with France.

Bilateral trade between the two countries Is lilted towards Bangladesh with a surplus of USS 226 million in 1999. Bangladesh exported goods worth USS 398 million to France in 1999 and imported USS 172 million worth oi products from the latter, according to latest chamber directory

The bulk ol Bangladesh exports to France consists of rradvmade garments (RMG) with around 90 per n n| of the total export On the other hand, half <>( Bangladcshs Imports from Frame are agricultural products like edible oil and wheat.