Bangladesh Ready for CEPA Deal with Indonesia
Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to elevate existing trade ties with Indonesia to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen bilateral economic relations. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Humayun Kabir conveyed this position during a courtesy meeting with Indonesian Ambassador Ms. Listyowati in Dhaka on Wednesday. Emphasizing long-term growth, Mr. Kabir highlighted the vital need to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade through greater economic diversification and structured trade mechanisms.
During the meeting, Mr. Kabir urged Indonesia to increase imports of Bangladeshi goods and services and called for greater Indonesian investment, particularly in the energy sector. In response, Ambassador Ms. Listyowati reaffirmed her country’s commitment to assisting Bangladesh in expanding its export base, with a focus on pharmaceuticals. Both officials also reviewed cooperation across multiple areas, including trade, investment, education, capacity building, and high-level diplomatic visits between the two nations.
To foster stronger people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and tourism, the State Minister urged Indonesia to simplify its visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens. Pointing to the shared vulnerability of both nations to natural hazards, Mr. Kabir conveyed Bangladesh’s keen interest in expanding cooperation in disaster management. Endorsing the proposal, Ambassador Ms. Listyowati highlighted the importance of exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and building institutional capacity to mitigate the adverse impacts of natural disasters.
Finally, Mr. Kabir sought Indonesia’s crucial support in realizing Bangladesh’s aspirations to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ambassador Ms. Listyowati reaffirmed Jakarta’s unwavering backing for Bangladesh’s regional economic ambitions. The discussion concluded with both sides exchanging views on pressing global issues and reiterating their shared commitment to working closely across bilateral, regional, and international platforms on mutual priorities.
