The Bangladesh-Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industries held its first meeting on Saturday, marking the formal launch of the chamber's activities in Bangladesh.

The meeting was hosted by Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Cosmos Group and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh.

Around 20 business representatives from different sectors in Bangladesh attended the meeting. The participants included entrepreneurs and professionals from the IT, education, garments and pharmaceutical sectors etc.

Speaking about the meeting, Masud Jamil Khan said they are starting the activities of the Irish Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Bangladesh for the first time.

"We held our first meeting today, and we plan to organise such meetings on a monthly basis," he said.

He said the meeting allowed participants to exchange ideas and views, while speakers shared insights on business opportunities with Ireland, future plans and ways to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

Discussions were also held on sending a trade delegation to Ireland. Khan said there is a plan to send a Bangladeshi trade delegation to Ireland around September this year.

The trade delegation will work to explore new markets, expand trade and strengthen business ties between the two countries, he added.

Masud Jamil Khan also said one of the long-term goals of the chamber is to work towards signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Ireland.

"We are working with the aim of achieving this agreement in the future," he added.