Bangladesh and Myanmar on Sunday discussed expanding bilateral trade, restoring border commerce and accelerating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees during a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe.
The meeting, held at the commerce ministry, also focused on increasing imports and exports, strengthening maritime connectivity, LNG imports and expanding bilateral investment opportunities, said a ministry press release.
The commerce minister said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening ties with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation.
He stated that inter-ministerial coordination would facilitate the review of trade, transport, investment, and border connectivity issues involving other ministries.
Muktadir said the geographical proximity of the two countries and their existing potential offered significant opportunities to expand bilateral trade.
He also said that Bangladesh and Myanmar would work together to make their economic relations more dynamic by resolving issues of mutual interest through dialogue.
The Myanmar ambassador expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and said both businesses and people would benefit if the long-suspended border trade were resumed.
He proposed restarting border trade on a limited or temporary basis if necessary.
The two sides also discussed expanding trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen foods, while stressing the need to strengthen business-to-business engagement.
The issue of the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh also featured prominently in the talks.
The Myanmar ambassador said the verification process of the repatriation list received from Bangladesh was underway and that initiatives would be taken to move forward with repatriation once the security and ground situation became favourable.
The Bangladesh side stressed the need to create conditions conducive to an early repatriation process and called for effective and visible progress on the issue.
Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional dialogues and meetings of the joint committee, and also discussed a proposal to host the next joint meeting in Bangladesh.
The meeting also underscored the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalising the proposed shipping agreement at the earliest.
The two sides said direct sea connectivity would reduce transport costs and transit time while significantly boosting bilateral trade.
Commerce secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, additional secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akter and Myanmar embassy counsellor Myat Lwin were also present at the meeting.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
