Dhaka: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe convened on Sunday to deliberate on enhancing bilateral trade, strengthening shipping connectivity, and accelerating the repatriation process for forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting, held at the Ministry of Commerce, covered a wide range of topics including the expansion of bilateral trade, the enhancement of exports and imports, and the strengthening of maritime transport links. Discussions also included the potential importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the creation of greater opportunities for mutual investment.
Minister Muktadir affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering relations with neighboring countries through mutual respect, trust, and economic cooperation. He highlighted that issues concerning trade, transport, investment, and border connectivity involving other ministries would be addressed through inter-ministerial coordination. He emphasized that the geographical proximity and existing opportunities between Bangladesh and Myanmar could be harnessed to significantly enhance bilateral trade.
Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed Myanmar’s interest in boosting bilateral trade and suggested resuming the long-suspended border trade, which he believes will benefit businesses and people in both countries. He proposed that if necessary, border trade could initially resume on a limited or temporary basis.
The meeting also explored opportunities to increase trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals, and frozen food, while stressing the importance of strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement. The safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population in Bangladesh was a significant topic of discussion.
The Myanmar ambassador mentioned that the verification process of the repatriation lists submitted by Bangladesh is ongoing, and initiatives would be taken to proceed with repatriation once the security situation and conditions on the ground improve. The Bangladesh side emphasized the importance of creating favorable conditions for early repatriation and called for tangible progress on the issue.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular institutional dialogues and meetings of the Joint Committee, with discussions on holding the next joint meeting in Bangladesh. The meeting underlined the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalizing a proposed agreement on the matter promptly. Both parties expressed optimism that direct shipping connectivity would reduce transportation costs and transit time while significantly boosting bilateral trade.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akther, and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin were also in attendance at the meeting.