Turkey, Bangladesh sign pharmaceuticals pact

By Md. Kamruzzaman

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - A pact was signed on Monday between Turkey and Bangladesh on exchanging pharmaceuticals and health services to benefit the public of both countries.

Visiting Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, Turkish Deputy Health Minister Emine Alp Mese represented Turkey in the signing ceremony.

"For the long-term benefit of the people of both countries, the health sector has a big role to play," Mese said after the memorandum of understanding was signed.

Touting the high quality of Turkish pharmaceuticals, she said the vacuum in trade between the two countries will be solved by mutual sharing from now on.

She also praised Bangladesh's rapid economic progress from a lower- to middle-income country.

Nazmul Hasan, head of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industry, said Bangladesh is the cheapest source of quality medicine.

He also urged Turkey to pay help boost trade between the two countries, especially in the health sector.

He added that the countries have long shared common cultural and religious values.

Trade could reached new heights starting with the pharmaceutical sector, he said.

The signing was followed by a cultural program with singers from both countries.