Bangladesh, Indonesia move to fast-track trade pact
The meeting focused on broadening cooperation across trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
Bangladesh and Indonesia have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to expand bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation.
The discussions took place during a courtesy call by Indonesian Ambassador Listyowati on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, according to a ministry press release. The ambassador congratulated the state minister on assuming office and conveyed Indonesia's greetings to the new Bangladeshi government.
Welcoming the envoy, Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening the long-standing ties between the two countries. Both sides noted that next year's 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations would provide a timely opportunity to enhance collaboration.
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The meeting focused on broadening cooperation across trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. The state minister also sought Indonesia's support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and requested backing for Dhaka's candidature for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (2026–2027).
Both governments underlined the importance of concluding the PTA promptly, stressing that timely agreement would benefit economic growth and mutual development.
