Dhaka: Dhaka and Jakarta have emphasized the importance of resuming the 5th round of Bangladesh-Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement (BI-PTA) negotiations, with the objective of enhancing trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. This intention was highlighted during a meeting where Indonesian Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo made a farewell call on Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the State Guest House Padma today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of air connectivity and the reinstatement of the “Visa on Arrival” facility for Bangladeshi nationals to further fortify people-to-people interactions. The discussions between the Foreign Secretary and the Ambassador covered a range of mutual interests, including trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, and connectivity.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of holding the 2nd Foreign Office Consultation in early 2025 to review the entire spectrum of bila
teral relations between the two countries. They also explored the potential for Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products in the Indonesian market and the significance of diversifying exports from Bangladesh to Indonesia. The Indonesian envoy assured his commitment to work on these matters upon his return to Jakarta.
Concluding the meeting, the Foreign Secretary hosted a farewell luncheon in honor of the departing Ambassador Subolo.