Special Correspondent: In a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe, the issues of expanding bilateral trade, resuming border trade and repatriation of Rohingyas were discussed.
In the meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce today, views were also exchanged on increasing import and export of goods between the two countries, strengthening shipping links, importing LNG and expanding mutual investment opportunities.
During the discussion, the Commerce Minister said that Bangladesh is committed to further strengthening relations with neighboring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. Issues related to trade, transport, investment and border communication that are related to other ministries will be reviewed through inter-ministerial coordination.
Stating that it is possible to further increase trade between the two countries by utilizing the geographical proximity and existing potential, he said that the economic relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar will be further accelerated by resolving issues of mutual interest through discussions.
Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed his interest in increasing the volume of trade between the two countries and said that if the border trade, which has been suspended for a long time, is resumed, businessmen and common people of both countries will benefit. If necessary, this activity can be started initially on a limited scale.
The meeting discussed the opportunities for increasing trade in various potential products including agricultural products, fishery products, rice, medicines and frozen foods. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening business-to-business (B2B) activities at the business level.
The issue of safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh also came up for discussion.
The Myanmar Ambassador said that the work of verifying the list received for repatriation is underway and initiatives will be taken in this regard when the situation becomes favorable.
In the meeting, the Bangladesh side emphasized the need to create a favorable environment for speedy repatriation and ensure visible progress in this regard.
In this, both sides agreed to organize regular institutional discussions and joint committee meetings. In addition, the need to establish direct maritime communication between Bangladesh and Myanmar and to quickly finalize the agreement in this regard was emphasized.
The meeting was attended by, among others, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akhter and Counselor of the Myanmar Embassy Myat Lwin.
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