6th B’desh-Myanmar joint commission meeting Sunday

The sixth meeting of Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Commission for economic cooperation begins here on Sunday.

The sixth meeting of Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Commission for economic cooperation begins here on Sunday, aiming to establish better connectivity and boost bilateral trade between the two next-door neighbours.

Deputy Minister for Commerce Dr Pwint San will lead the Myanmar side while Bangladesh Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed the home side to the meeting to be held at Hotel Purbani in the city, an official at the Commerce Ministry told UNB over phone.

He said the meeting, set to start at 10am, will focus on enhancing economic cooperation and establishing regional connectivity. Direct air and shipping links between the two countries, and cooperation in energy and agriculture sectors are likely to dominate at the meeting.

The Myanmar delegation will later hold talks with Commerce Minister GM Quader at his Secretariat office at 4pm.

Earlier, Bangladesh sent a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to Myanmar on air connectivity and some other issues for their approval.

The fifth meeting of Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Commission for economic cooperation was held in Naypyidaw in July last year.

Business leaders have long been demanding stronger connectivity with Myanmar as they think the high potentials of bilateral trade with neighbouring Myanmar have apparently remained untapped for four major hurdles — lack of air, water and road connectivity, and required formal trade channel.

News Source:  UNB