CA Yunus likely to visit Indonesia in Aug to boost trade ties

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is likely to pay an official visit to Indonesia in August as both sides eye an enhanced trade, investment and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Southeast Asia's largest nation.

Officials from both sides are working on finding specific dates convenient to both sides, a diplomatic source told UNB today (23 June), adding that Jakarta is eager to deepen its engagement with Dhaka.

Cooperation in the areas of power and energy sector between Bangladesh and Indonesia is going to be one of the focus areas during the visit, once finalised, according to officials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sought inputs from the relevant ministry on cooperation in the areas of power and sector with Indonesia.

The chief adviser will have a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during the planned visit in addition to his other engagements.

Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, who visited Bangladesh earlier this month, described Bangladesh as their 'strategic' and an 'important trade partner' in the South Asia region.

He expressed his country's readiness to explore mutually beneficial sectors for future investments in Bangladesh and discussed the possibility of greater cooperation in the fields of power generation, energy storage and energy infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

During his meeting with Nasir on 2 June, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who visited Indonesia several times before assuming office, expressed regret that Dhaka and Jakarta had not forged a closer relationship despite their shared religious, historical and cultural backgrounds. 

"We must become the closest of friends," said the chief adviser, emphasising the importance of more people-to-people exchanges, including cultural and educational tours. 

"We are ready to go to great lengths to build a stronger relationship with Indonesia," he added.