Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will inaugurate the seventh version of the forum at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, French Ambassador Michel Lummaux announced at a press conference yesterday.

France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) is organising the annual event jointly sponsored by Lafarge Surma Cement Ltd, GEC of Bangladesh Ltd and SQ Group of Industries.

On the first day of the forum, a discussion meeting will be held on Bangladesh's trade with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar.

Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former state minister for foreign affairs, will talk problems and prospects of doing business with those countries while government officials, businesspeople, media men and ambassadors will take part in discussion.

A total of 16 French companies will display catalogues, products, services and technologies during the trade show, which will remain open for all from 10am to 8pm.

The participating companies include Alcatel, Alliance Francaise de Dacca, Aventis Limited, Energypac, Lafarge Surma Cement Ltd, Tele Tel Communications, Trade Services International, Total Gaz and ECM Services Ltd.

However, the closing function of the forum will be held on December 13 with a cultural programme marked by French jazz music. Local artistes will also perform in the show.

Bangladesh exports readymade garments, knitwear, leather, jute goods, frozen shrimps and ceramic tableware worth $500 million a year to France.

Goods imported from France include electrical equipment, agricultural and chemical products, aeronautic equipment, machinery, consumer goods, metals and food items.

CCIFB Treasurer Syed Farhad Ahmed and Director Rifat Rashid were present at the press conference held at the French embassy in Dhaka.