Bangladesh, Indonesia seek easier visa, travel procedures, stronger trade ties

Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta met Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Thursday to discuss easing visa and travel procedures and boosting bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon in the morning.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance people-to-people connectivity, expand cooperation in education and strengthen collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in gas and oil.

They also stressed ensuring greater facilities, convenience and security for the large number of Bangladeshi tourists travelling to Indonesia.

The two sides exchanged views on increasing bilateral trade and creating more opportunities for Indonesian companies to operate in Bangladesh.

They particularly discussed simplifying the visa process, resuming visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi citizens and introducing direct flights between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

The meeting also focused on exploring new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, tourism, education and people-to-people connectivity to deepen the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed increasing Indonesian investment in Bangladesh and strengthening business-to-business and entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur ties between the countries.

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They discussed opportunities to expand trade in garments, jute, agricultural products and palm oil, as well as increase exports of halal products.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen multifaceted cooperation and further advance the longstanding bonds of Muslim brotherhood between the two countries.

Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati and Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Md Abul Hasan Mridha were also present at the meeting.