Chattogram:Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Mohammad Amirul Haque has called on Indonesia to increase its imports from Bangladesh to address the significant trade imbalance favoring the Southeast Asian nation. During a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador Rina P Soemarno in the port city, Haque emphasized the potential for Bangladesh's exports to reach up to US$1 billion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the current bilateral trade volume stands at approximately US$4 billion, with Bangladesh's exports amounting to US$56 million compared to its imports of US$3.5 billion. Haque believes that bilateral trade could grow to $10 billion over the next five years, stressing the need to boost Bangladesh's exports to mitigate the trade gap with Indonesia, a key trading partner.
The meeting, organized by the CCCI at the World Trade Center conference hall, saw Ambassador Soemarno acknowledge the trade balance favoring Indonesia. However, she noted that imports from Bangladesh have grown by nearly 6 percent recently. She highlighted opportunities to strengthen commercial ties and explore cooperation in sectors such as halal food, energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial raw materials.
Ambassador Soemarno praised Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals for their potential in the Indonesian market and suggested closer engagement between businesses in both countries to expand the market for Bangladeshi products in Southeast Asia. She also described Chattogram as a vital economic and commercial hub, with its port and industrial potential capable of further boosting bilateral trade.
Currently, Bangladesh imports coal, palm oil, cement, minerals, textile raw materials, and plastics from Indonesia. In contrast, Bangladeshi exports to Indonesia include raw tobacco, readymade garments, jute and textile fibers, leather, and footwear. Bangladesh is also seeking easier market access for its pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and potatoes in Indonesia.
The meeting was attended by several business figures from the port city, including Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury and S M Abu Tayeb, among others. The Indonesian envoy was accompanied by embassy officials Robbi Firly Harkha and Sapto Rudiyanto.