Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has hoped that Argentina would support Bangladesh's initiative to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the South American regional economic organisation Mercosur during its current presidency. In response, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andres Cafiero suggested that Bangladesh pursue a preferential trade agreement (PTA) instead of FTA. Momen also requested Santiago to consider lowering the existing 35 percent duty imposed by Argentina on readymade garments (RMG) products and withdrawing $0.16 per kg anti-dumping duty on jute bags and sacks from Bangladesh to have greater market access. A 34-member high-level Argentine delegation, led by the Argentine minister, is paying a two-day state-level visit to Dhaka. Read more: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation The non-resident Argentine ambassador to Bangladesh, undersecretary of trade and chief of cabinet to the Argentine foreign minister, are also accompanying the minister. Momen received his Argentine counterpart this morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Later, Santiago led a delegation to the Brac Foundation. The purpose was to learn from the Brac development programmes and success stories focusing on women's empowerment and rural women's financial inclusion. Both sides agreed to collaborate to share knowledge on how to bring about financial inclusion in a responsible manner to pull millions of vulnerable women in rural and urban areas of Argentina out of poverty. Read More: Reopening embassy in Dhaka a stepping stone to build better ties with Bangladesh: Argentina Santiago had a meeting with Momen at state guest house Jamuna this evening. Momen expressed gratitude to the Argentine government for reopening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. The foreign minister showed interest in wider cooperation between Bangladesh and Argentina in agriculture, agro-processing, cattle and poultry industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, the ICT sector, heavy and light machinery and equipment. Santiago and Momen emphasised the importance of enhancing close collaboration to increase bilateral trade and investment. Read More: Argentina’s foreign minister in Dhaka to reopen embassy, deepen ties.

Bangladesh and Nigeria agreed to explore the possibility of signing a framework agreement on a free-trade agreement (FTA) or preferential trade agreement (PTA), the Foreign Ministry said Saturday. The sides also agreed to consider signing an agreement between the apex chambers of the two countries and establishing cooperation in the IT and ICT sectors. At the invitation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, a 17-member government and private sector delegation of Nigeria is in Dhaka now. The Nigerian delegation, led by Communication and Digital Economy Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, comprises government representatives from the economic, trade and investment department, Communication and National Identity Management commissions, the education department, the High Commission of Nigeria in New Delhi, private sector representatives from the Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum and businessmen. Read more: Bangladesh, Nigeria to explore possibility of signing framework agreement on FTA or PTA Pantami had a bilateral meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today. The commerce minister said mutual trade between Bangladesh and Nigeria is steadily growing and the Bangladesh government is making efforts to augment trade and commerce with Nigeria. Tipu said there is a huge potential for cooperation in economic areas like manufacturing and garments industries. He underlined the importance of more contacts among the chambers and businesses of the two countries and suggested the formation of a joint business council. Pantami talked about Bangladesh's excellence in the IT and garments sectors. Tipu sought continued support from the Nigerian government on the Rohingya issue as well as at different UN elections where Bangladesh has launched candidature. He also urged the Nigerian government to set up a diplomatic mission in Dhaka. Read more: Dhaka, Abuja agree to explore possibilities in contract farming, cooperation in agro, food processing

Bangladesh has stressed on direct shipping connectivity with Sri Lanka and resumption of negotiations for early conclusion of preferential trade agreement (PTA) between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday evening, on the eve of the 22nd Ministerial Meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The two foreign ministers discussed the wide spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed hope to work closely for their countries and inclusive development of the region. Read more: IORA ministers meet Thursday, Momen for making the best use of sea Momen requested to boost trade relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through increased export of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh at an affordable price. The foreign minister of Sri Lanka assured that his country is also looking forward to working together with Bangladesh. The two leaders agreed to expedite forming an institutional platform to hold regular and comprehensive dialogues between the countries at the foreign minister level. The issue of mutual support for each other’s candidature at various international fora was also discussed with due importance. Foreign Minister Momen also sought support of Sri Lanka in repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 22nd ministerial meeting of IORA. Earlier, he also met the state minister for shipping. Read more: IORA Meetings to focus on undertaking larger projects Ali Sabry is expected to call on the prime minister of Bangladesh along with other ministerial delegation from other member states of IORA and leave Dhaka on November 26.  

Bangladesh has urged Indonesia to consider including apparel items in the preferential trade agreement (PTA) that they have agreed to sign to reduce the yawning bilateral trade gap. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen met Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan in Jakarta Monday. The ministers reviewed the trade relations between the two countries and agreed to expedite the conclusion of the bilateral PTA on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the countries. Read: Indian Army Chief meets his Bangladesh counterpart They agreed to further accelerate the exchange and interaction between the business communities of the countries. Momen invited Zulkifli to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time this year.

Bangladesh has sought an "expeditious conclusion" of the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia for further enhancement of trade and commerce between the two countries, preferably during this year that marks a watershed in the bilateral relations.  Bangladesh also stressed the importance of reducing the imbalance existing in the bilateral trade by increasing Indonesian imports from Bangladesh.  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issues during a telephone conversation with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L P Marsudi on Wednesday.  Reciprocating the sentiment of Dr Momen, Marsudi noted with profound satisfaction the fact that Bangladesh-Indonesia bilateral relations was growing from strength to strength and laid importance on further political and economic collaboration for taking the relations to a newer level.  READ: Dhaka seeks Berlin’s support to face post-LDC challenges Dr Momen thanked Indonesia for their humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas and sought political support from Indonesia on the repatriation issue.  He requested for Indonesia’s and ASEAN’s continued support in bringing about a sustainable and permanent solution to this protracted crisis.  Dr Momen highlighted that Bangladesh wishes to have greater interaction with ASEAN since there are vibrant trade relations with some members of ASEAN and the potential synergy is evident.  He sought Indonesian support to Bangladesh’s candidature for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.  The Indonesian Foreign Minister, while expressing her support for Bangladesh’s candidature, suggested fostering a greater engagement with the member countries of ASEAN in this regards. Dr Momen also sought Indonesian support in favour of Bangladesh in various regional and multilateral fora.     The two Foreign Ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the existing excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries and vowed to further strengthen the relations in depth and dimensions.   Dr Momen observed that Bangladesh has been enjoying brotherly and cordial relationship with Indonesia since independence.  READ: Dhaka seeks ISA’s increased support to tap seabed resources    Both the Ministers agreed to celebrate the 50th year of the diplomatic ties this year in a befitting manner.    Dr Momen noted with satisfaction the rising trend in bilateral trade and commerce between Bangladesh and Indonesia in recent years. Both the Foreign Ministers exchanged greetings of the New Year and promised to remain in close touch.

Bangladesh has stressed the importance of an early conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia by making it inclusive and mutually beneficial. Bangladesh observed that signing of the PTA, now under negotiation, could be an effective tool for further strengthening the trade and economic relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen discussed issues when visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met him on Tuesday. Also read: Indonesian envoy pays farewell call on President Hamid The Indonesian Minister is visiting Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in Dhaka. Momen thanked his Indonesian counterpart for their supportive role in the UNGA, OIC, Human Rights Council on the issue and urged them to play a more proactive role within the ASEAN to ensure an early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland. He highlighted the plights of 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens who are being temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian ground. Momen also focused on the huge socio-economic pressure caused by the Rohingyas saying the problem is exerting on Bangladesh. While exchanging views on the Covid-19 pandemic, he pointed out the very low level of positivity rate currently prevailing in Bangladesh and informed her of the government drive for vaccinating people en masse. The Indonesian foreign minister congratulated Bangladesh on successfully organizing the 21st Council of Ministers Meeting in Dhaka. While discussing the importance of IORA, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that Bangladesh believes in a free, open, peaceful and inclusive indo-pacific for the common global benefit. The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the flourishing bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest over the last five decades. Also read: Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 sick amid shortage Terming Indonesia as one of our trusted friends, Momen pointed out the excellent understanding and goodwill prevailing among the highest political level of the two countries. Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries that falls next year, both the ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner.

Bangladesh and Indonesia on Thursday stressed early signing of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) within the ambit of which potential export items from both countries would be allowed to enter duty free. The two countries agreed to complete the signing of pending MoUs and agreements on a fast-track basis, pursue sector specific agenda and do the needful to expand the volume of bilateral trade and investment. Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for Rohingya repatriation and appreciated the last ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting which also called for early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Indonesia assured to stand beside Bangladesh on Rohingya issue. Bangladesh and Indonesia held their first ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Thursday and discussed the issues. Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday laid emphasis on signing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal for their mutual benefits.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has agreed to sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) allowing duty-free access to a range of goods between the two countries and thus boost bilateral trade further.

Bangladesh and the Maldives have underscored the need to have robust maritime and air connectivity between the two countries.