Staff Reporter:
Myanmar has expressed strong interest in increasing economic engagement with Bangladesh by expand-ing bilateral trade, resuming border commerce and strengthening connectivity between the two neighbor-ing countries.
The interest was conveyed by Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe during a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Ministry of Commerce yesterday, said a press release.
The ambassador proposed the resumption of the suspended border trade, suggesting that it could initially be restarted on a limited or temporary basis to benefit traders and people living along the border.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing trade in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, rice, pharma-ceuticals and frozen food, while calling for stronger business-to-business (B2B) engagement to unlock the full potential of bilateral commerce.
The envoy also underscored the need to establish direct shipping links between Bangladesh and Myan-mar, saying improved maritime connectivity would significantly reduce transportation costs and time, facilitating greater trade and investment.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening relations with neighboring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation.
He stressed the need for effective and visible progress towards the safe, voluntary, sustainable and digni-fied repatriation of the Rohingya people.
Both sides agreed to continue regular institutional dialogue and Joint Committee meetings, with a pro-posal to hold the next meeting in Bangladesh.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akhter and Myan-mar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin, among others, attended the meeting.
