Myanmar ambassador calls for resumption of suspended border trade

Myanmar Ambassador to Dhaka Cho Soe Moe has called for the resumption of the long-suspended Bangladesh-Myanmar border trade. 

He said that businessmen and common people of the two countries will benefit if border trade is resumed. If necessary, this activity can be started initially on a limited or temporary scale.

The ambassador made this call in a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday. 

This information was given in a press release by the Ministry of Commerce.

The meeting discussed various important issues including expansion of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar, increase in import and export of goods, direct shipping communication, LNG import, and expansion of mutual investment opportunities.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that Bangladesh is committed to further strengthening relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic co-operation. 

Issues related to trade, transport, investment and border communication that are related to other ministries will be reviewed through inter-ministerial co-ordination.

He said that it is possible to further increase trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar by utilising the geographical proximity and existing potential. Both countries will work together to make the economic relations between the two countries more meaningful and dynamic by resolving issues of mutual interest through discussions.

The Myanmar ambassador said that if the long-suspended border trade is resumed, businessmen and people of both countries will benefit. 

He also emphasised on strengthening communication and business-to-business (B2B) activities at the business level.

The meeting also exchanged views on opportunities to increase trade in various potential products including agricultural and fishery products, rice, medicines, frozen foods.

The issue of safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh also came up for discussion. 

The ambassador said that the process of vetting the list received for repatriation is ongoing. Initiatives will be taken to move forward the repatriation process once the security situation improves.

From the Bangladesh side, the commerce minister emphasised on creating a conducive environment for speedy repatriation and effective and visible progress in this regard.

In the meeting, both sides agreed to hold regular institutional discussions and joint committee meetings. 

A proposal to hold the next joint meeting in Bangladesh was also discussed.

In addition, the need to establish direct maritime and shipping communication between Bangladesh and Myanmar and to quickly finalise the proposed agreement in this regard was highlighted. 

According to both sides, if direct maritime communication is introduced, transportation costs and time will be reduced, as well as the volume of bilateral trade will increase significantly.

Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akhter and Counsellor of the Myanmar Embassy Myat Lwin were present in the meeting.