Bangladesh is exploring the market for readymade garments in Tunisia. In the last fiscal, products and services totaling $5.4 million were exported from Bangladesh to the North African country, almost two-thirds of which comprised apparel items. However, much of Bangladesh readymade garments are shipped to Tunisia from neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, resulting in an increase in the price of Bangladesh made garments. So, Bangladesh is keen to establish direct trade links with Tunisia so that garment exporters would be able to sell their products at a lower price.
Besides RMG, there is a big potential for Bangladesh medicines, leather goods and handicrafts in Tunisia. At the same time, Tunisian olive, olive oil and dates have a potential market in Bangladesh. Due to the geographical distance, Tunisia has never received much attention from Bangladesh's exporters. The country’s close proximity to Southern Europe means the European Union, especially France and Italy, is the closest business partner -- both in terms of import and export. Groups of Bangladesh readymade garment manufacturers are scheduled to visit Tunisia to explore the Tunisian market.