The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has put emphasis on strengthening the trade relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar through speedily resolving the existing problems in the way of trade.
The FBCCI said Bangladesh and Myanmar have long been enjoying friendly relations while there is a huge trade potential between these two neighboring countries. Despite being neighbours, the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is very low.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam made the remarks in a courtesy meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Aung Kyaw Moe at FBCCI office in the capital's Gulshan area on Saturday.
FBCCI Vice President Shomi Kaiser and directors were present on the occasion, said a press release.
Mahbubul said that trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh has long been going on. "Once upon a time, trade took place with Yangon by sea from Chattogram. But, due to various reasons, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries has declined slightly."
He said although there are many potential sectors of both countries, but it is yet to be possible to utilize those opportunities properly.
The chief of the country's apex trade body also commented that if the existing problems between the two countries, including the Rohingya problem, could be solved, then both the countries would benefit commercially.
He also urged Myanmar to take effective steps to solve the Rohingya problem.
Noting that Bangladesh has gained a great reputation worldwide in various products including ready-made garment, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute, leather products, the FBCCI president said Myanmar can import these products from Bangladesh.
Besides, he said Bangladesh can import various products including rice, onions and spices from Myanmar.
Mahbubul also commented that Myanmar can come forward to meet the country's energy needs, side by side he urged Myanmar businessmen to invest in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones.
Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe said that Bangladesh and Myanmar have been maintaining friendly relations historically.
He said Myanmar was one of the five countries that first recognized Bangladesh in 1971. He also said that Myanmar is interested in strengthening the trade relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe also expressed Myanmar's interest in introducing direct flights between Myanmar and Bangladesh.
He also said that the government of Myanmar has been working with Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya problem.