Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, revive border trade and push forward efforts for the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees during high-level talks in Dhaka.

The issues were discussed on Sunday during a meeting between Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe at the Ministry of Commerce.

According to New Age, the meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, restoring long-suspended border commerce, enhancing maritime connectivity, increasing investment opportunities and accelerating the Rohingya repatriation process.

The commerce minister said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. He added that coordination among relevant ministries would help address issues related to trade, transport, investment and border connectivity.

Muktadir said the close geographical proximity of the two countries offered significant potential to expand bilateral trade and expressed hope that outstanding issues could be resolved through dialogue to make economic relations more dynamic.

The Myanmar ambassador expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade, saying both businesses and local communities would benefit from the resumption of border commerce. He also proposed restarting border trade on a limited or temporary basis if necessary.

The two sides discussed expanding trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen foods, while emphasizing stronger business-to-business engagement.

Rohingya repatriation also featured prominently in the talks. The Myanmar ambassador said verification of the repatriation list submitted by Bangladesh was continuing and that Myanmar would move forward with the process once security and conditions on the ground permitted.

Bangladesh, however, stressed the need to create conditions for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya and called for visible progress toward an early repatriation process.

Both sides also agreed to hold regular institutional dialogues and joint committee meetings, with discussions including a proposal to hold the next joint meeting in Bangladesh.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalising a proposed shipping agreement, with both sides saying improved sea connectivity would reduce transport costs and boost bilateral trade.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary Ayesha Akter and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin also attended the meeting.

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