Bangladesh, Indonesia eye stronger economic ties

Bangladesh and Indonesia on Tuesday moved to deepen economic ties and build a long-term strategic partnership, with Dhaka proposing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to give the relationship a fresh boost.
The discussions took place when visiting Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at his office here, according to a foreign ministry press release.
Humaiun called for stronger economic engagement, while Anis proposed identifying priority joint projects for the next five to 10 years to help build a long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two sides reviewed cooperation in trade and investment, energy, health, disaster management, education and training, and consular affairs. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Welcoming Anis, Humaiun put forward five proposals to deepen bilateral cooperation, including restoring visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi visitors to Indonesia.
He urged Indonesia to increase imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products to meet its growing demand and proposed government-to-government procurement of jute bags for the environmentally friendly packaging of coffee, beans and other products.

The state minister also sought Indonesian market access for Bangladeshi potatoes and proposed institutional cooperation in disaster management.
He handed over a draft Memorandum of Understanding on Disaster Management to the Indonesian vice minister.
Highlighting Indonesia’s position as the world’s largest halal food consumer market, Humaiun also stressed the need to expand cooperation in the halal sector.
Anis welcomed the proposals and expressed Indonesia’s interest in elevating bilateral ties to a long-term strategic partnership.
He also encouraged the two countries to explore direct flights between Dhaka and Jakarta to strengthen people-to-people connectivity.
Humaiun welcomed the Indonesian proposals and thanked Jakarta for its continued support for Bangladesh at regional and international forums.
He sought Indonesia’s continued backing for Bangladesh’s application for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status and membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The state minister also sought Indonesia’s support for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.
Anis assured him of Indonesia’s continued support on these issues, the release said.
Senior officials from the foreign ministry, including officials of its South East Asia Wing, as well as the ambassadors of Bangladesh and Indonesia to the respective countries, attended the meeting.
Anis is visiting Bangladesh from 5 to 9 October at Humaiun’s invitation.