Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The D-8 (Developing-8) countries currently have an inter- trade volume of US$150 billion, which will be boosted to $300 billion by 2018, the visiting D-8 Secretary General Dr Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi said Monday. 
In this regard, various agreements have been signed to enhance administrative cooperation on duty issues, ease visa process and air services, he said.
The D-8 secretary general made this comment during a meeting with Industries Minister Dilip Barua at his Shilpa Bhaban office in the capital Dhaka.
Mousavi thanked the Industries Minister for organizing the 3rd D-8 Ministerial Meeting successfully in Dhaka in October last year, as the scope of mutual cooperation has been widened through the meeting. 
Dilip Barua said there are huge human and natural resources in the D-8 countries. “D-8 can emerge as a powerful economic alliance through proper utilization of the resources.” 
He laid emphasis on strengthening cooperation in food security, SME, communication sector and energy sector.
State Minister for Industries Omor Faruk Chowdhury, Additional Industries Secretary M Forhad Uddin and senior officials, among others, were present at the meeting. 
Omor Faruk Chowdhury said the cooperation among the D-8 countries should be increased for further mutual benefit.
 
BBN/SSR/AD-15Apr13-9:40 pm (BST)