The Taiwan authorities provide zero tariff preferential treatment to the least developed countries. Bangladesh expects that if there is zero tariff preferential treatment, next year's export to Taiwan is expected to grow by 20%.

The Bengal Federation of industry and Commerce urged the government to approve the Federation's issuance of certificate of origin so that domestic exporters could receive zero tariff preferential treatment in Taiwan.

In this way, Bangladesh can establish a smooth diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

However, the Taiwan Dhaka liaison office, Frank Wen-Yan Chen, said that many of the least developed countries had not established any diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but they also received Taiwan's zero tariff preferential treatment.

The Taiwan authorities approved about 140 Bangladesh products to enter Taiwan with zero tariff, including leather, shoes, jute yarn, woven fabrics, wool yarn, handbags, sacks and bags.

According to a well-informed source, Bangladesh has not yet issued a certificate of origin. First of all, the Taiwan authorities must complete the relevant procedures before Bangladesh can issue certificates of origin.

Experts believe that if all goes well, Bangladesh will export to Taiwan more than US $50 million next year.

In 2006-07, Bangladesh exported $21 million 70 thousand to Taiwan and imports $472 million 910 thousand.