Dhaka, Jakarta want to strengthen trade facilitation measures

Bangladesh and Indonesia today (13 April) agreed to strengthen trade facilitation measures and to expedite convening of the ‘trade negotiating committee’ and the joint working group on power and energy.

The two countries underscored the importance of greater engagement between the private sectors to deepen economic cooperation and emphasised the early finalisation of all relevant pending legal instruments.

The issues were discussed at the second round of foreign office consultations (FOC) between the two countries held in Jakarta in a ‘cordial and forward-looking’ atmosphere.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam. The Indonesian delegation was led by Director General of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Dr Santo Darmosumarto.

Bangladesh invited enhanced Indonesian investment, particularly in high-potential sectors such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, leather, and footwear, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Recognising the importance of enhanced connectivity, Bangladesh requested Indonesia to consider easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals to facilitate greater mobility, exchanges and the establishment of direct flights.

Two sides acknowledged significant opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, alongside broader cooperation in the agriculture and health sectors, reflecting shared priorities in ensuring food security and sustainable development.

This round marked the continuation of a structured and institutionalised dialogue mechanism between the two countries, following the successful inaugural round held in 2021 and provided a comprehensive and constructive platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and to exchange views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Both sides engaged in wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Bangladesh and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.

Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, ensuring their sustainable livelihoods, rights, and dignity. Bangladesh also requested Indonesia’s support for its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

On the sidelines, Foreign Secretary Siam met the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta.

He extended him a cordial invitation and emphasised on long due high level visits between the two countries.

The Bangladesh delegation included Dewan Hossne Ayub, Director General of the South East Asia Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Maushumi Rahman, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Bangladesh in Jakarta; AKM Fazlul Hoque, joint secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division; and Atique Mahmud, assistant secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.

The Indonesian delegation included Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Listyowati, the Director of South and Central Asian Affairs, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats from the Embassy of Indonesia in Bangladesh, and representatives from relevant Indonesian ministries and agencies.