Indonesia sees PTA with Bangladesh as key to deeper market access
Indonesia considers the completion of the Indonesia–Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) an important step towards deepening market access and achieving a more balanced trade relationship with Bangladesh.
Listyowati, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Bangladesh and Nepal, made the remarks during a courtesy call on Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser, at the latter's office in Dhaka on Thursday, according to a press release.
The ambassador noted Indonesia's position as Bangladesh's third-largest trading partner and described Bangladesh as a strategic partner in South Asia.
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The meeting was held in what the press release described as a warm and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties built over more than five decades, particularly in trade, investment, and energy.
On energy cooperation, Listyowati said it is among Indonesia's priorities, adding that Indonesia is encouraging the effective implementation of the existing memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, and expressed interest in engaging in other strategic energy projects in Bangladesh.
She also said Indonesian investment in Bangladesh is progressing, citing the opening of the first Alfamart retail outlet on 27 January 2026, and continued investment by PT Japfa Comfeed in the livestock sector. The press release states these developments reflect prospects for more sustainable economic cooperation, including job creation and human resource development.
Beyond economic issues, Listyowati highlighted Indonesia's priorities during its chairmanship of the Developing Eight (D-8) for the 2026–27 period, including the halal economy, blue economy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in defence and security, socio-cultural issues, education, connectivity, and people-to-people contact, the release states.
Indonesia and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations in 1972, and the press release notes that the relationship continues to expand across political, economic, social, and cultural areas. It states the upcoming year will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which both sides see as an opportunity to further strengthen the partnership on the basis of mutual benefit.
The meeting was part of Ambassador Listyowati's initial engagements after presenting her letters of credence to the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban on 22 January 2026, the release states.
