Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury formally inaugurated the seventh version of the Forum at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

Other programmes of the French Forum, an annual event, include discussion on regional trade and cultural show featuring French artistes.

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

Michel Lummaux, ambassador of France to Bangladesh, Yong Ngai Chan, president in charge of CCIFB, and Syed Farhad Ahmed, vice-president in charge, also spoke at the inaugural function.

In his speech, the commerce minister highlighted the benefits of organising trade shows. Citing the example of Bangladesh Trade Show held in Paris last month he said it had received good response from buyers.

The show participated by 28 Bangladeshi companies also helped increase the country's image abroad, Khosru said. He expressed his satisfaction over the interest of France in Bangladeshi products including readymade garments.

French Ambassador Lummaux said useful link between the two countries' business communities will further develop bilateral trade relations.

France had been the number one source of foreign direct foreign investment in Bangladesh during 2002-03, he said giving statistics.

A total of 16 French companies are displaying catalogues, products, services and technologies at the trade show, which will remain open from 10am to 8pm today.

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.

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.