Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The 3rd Ministerial Meeting on Industries of the D-8, a forum of eight developing Muslim countries, will take place in the capital Dhaka on October 8-10 aiming to strengthen mutual economic cooperation, especially in the area of trade and investment.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to open the meeting as the chief guest, industries Minister Dilip Barua told reporters after a meeting with visiting D-8 Secretary General Widi Agoes Pratikto at his office in Dhaka on Wednesday.
“D-8 Secretary General Widi Agoes Pratikto discussed the issue of arranging the ministerial meeting as Bangladesh is going to host the three-day event which is aimed at promoting mutual economic cooperation among the eight Muslim developing countries,” the minister noted.
Widi Agoes Pratikto (Indonesia), who is now in the city on a four-day visit, is expected to hold a series of meetings with Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan and leaders of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). 
Developing-8 was formed in 1997 with eight developing Muslim countries-Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. 
One minister and two officials from each member countries will join the meeting and Bangladesh will provide all support during their stay in Dhaka, Mr. Barua said, adding that entrepreneurs and businessmen from private sector of the member countries are expected to arrive here to explore trade and investment opportunities.
The 2nd industries ministers’ meeting was held in Istanbul, Turkey from October 4-6 last year.
 
BBN/SSR/AD-02May12-10:47 pm (BST)