ICC Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman is seen with Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Ms. Listyowati (4th from left), ICCB Vice President Naser EzazBijoy, Executive Board Members Kutubuddin Ahmed, Mir Nasir Hossain and Md. Fazlul Hoque, ICC Bangladesh Secretary General Ataur Rahman and Mr. RobbiFirlyHarkha, Economic Affairs Officer, Embassy of Indonesia.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Ms. Listyowativisited ICC Bangladesh on 15 June and held meeting with President Mahbubur Rahman. Welcoming the Ambassador ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman mentionedthatIndonesia is one of Bangladesh's most important trading partners in ASEAN and a major supplier of coal, palm oil, food products and industrial raw materials. Bilateral trade has grown steadily over the years and is estimated at around USD 3 billion annually. Both governments are currently working towards the early conclusion of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which is expected to enhance market access, diversify trade and strengthen economic cooperation.Thereisconsiderable scope for increasing Bangladeshi exports to Indonesia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, leather products, ceramics, jute goods, agricultural products and ICT services.

Mr. Mahbubur Rahman said there is greater opportunities for Indonesian investment in Bangladesh, particularly in man-made fibers, which has a big demand by the local RMG industries, manufacturing, food processing, livestock, agriculture, retail, logistics, renewable energy and infrastructure development. Bangladesh offers attractive investment opportunities through its growing consumer market, strategic location, competitive workforce and expanding economic zones, he said.  ICC Bangladesh would be delighted to work with Indonesian Embassy to encourage collaboration between business communities of both the countries through joint ventures, technology transfer and supply-chain partnerships.

ICC Bangladesh President called Indonesia’s support to Bangladesh for joining ASEAN and for repatriation of more than over one million Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar. 

Indonesian Ambassador Ms. Listyowati thanked ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman for inviting her to visit ICC Bangladesh. She said that Indonesia is keen to expand cooperation and trade with Bangladesh. In this regard she suggested for preferential trade agreement between the two countries. She assured all cooperation from Indonesia for Bangladesh’s entry to ASEAN and increasing collaboration with D-8. 

The meeting was also attended by ICC Bangladesh Vice President Naser EzazBijoy, Executive Board Members Kutubuddin Ahmed, Mir Nasir Hossain and Md. Fazlul Hoque, ICC Bangladesh Secretary General Ataur Rahman and Mr. RobbiFirlyHarkha, Third Secretary, Embassy of Indonesia.