Commerce minister, Myanmar envoy discuss boosting trade, Rohingya repatriation

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday held talks with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe, focusing on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening connectivity and accelerating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

The meeting at the Ministry of Commerce reviewed ways to increase bilateral trade, expand imports and exports, establish direct maritime links, import liquefied natural gas (LNG) and create greater opportunities for mutual investment.

Muktadir said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries through mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation.

He said the government would review trade, transport, investment and border connectivity issues involving other ministries through inter-ministerial coordination.

The minister said the two countries could significantly increase trade by making better use of their geographical proximity and existing opportunities. He added that Bangladesh and Myanmar would work together to resolve issues of mutual interest through dialogue and make their economic partnership more dynamic.

Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and said reopening the long-suspended border trade would benefit businesses and people in both countries. He suggested that the two sides could initially consider resuming 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 food, while stressing the need to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) engagement.

The meeting also addressed the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh.

The Myanmar envoy said authorities are continuing to verify the repatriation list and will take steps to advance the process when the security and ground situation become favourable.

The Bangladesh side urged Myanmar to create conditions for an early return of the Rohingya and emphasised the need for effective and visible progress on repatriation.

Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional consultations and joint committee meetings and discussed a proposal to host the next joint meeting in Bangladesh.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalising the proposed shipping agreement at the earliest opportunity. Both sides said direct sea connectivity would reduce transport costs and transit time while significantly boosting bilateral trade.

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The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to taking bilateral trade, investment, connectivity and regional cooperation to a new level.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akter and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin also attended the meeting.