Bangladesh, Myanmar renew stalled trade engagement
Bangladesh and Myanmar on Sunday agreed to renew bilateral economic engagement by expanding trade, strengthening connectivity and pushing efforts to create conditions for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
The understanding was reached during talks between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir and Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe at the Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including the expansion of bilateral trade, the resumption of border commerce, direct maritime connectivity, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, investment cooperation and the long stalled Rohingya repatriation process.
Muqtadir said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries “based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation.”
“Given the geographical proximity and existing potential, trade between the two countries can be increased further,” the commerce minister said.
He added that issues relating to trade, transport, investment and border connectivity involving other ministries would be addressed through inter-ministerial coordination.
“Both countries will work together to make the economic relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar more meaningful and dynamic by resolving issues of mutual interest through discussions,” he said.
The renewed engagement comes as Myanmar has expressed interest in restarting border trade, which has remained largely suspended for more than a year because of security concerns in Rakhine State.
Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe said businesses and people in both countries would benefit from reopening border trade.
“Businessmen and people of both countries will benefit if the long suspended border trade is resumed,” he said, suggesting that trade could initially resume on a limited or temporary basis if required.
The ambassador also expressed Myanmar’s interest in increasing the overall volume of bilateral trade.
The two sides explored opportunities to expand trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen food, while stressing the need to strengthen business to business engagement and direct communication between the private sectors of the two countries.
They also agreed on the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links and expediting a proposed bilateral shipping agreement, saying improved connectivity would reduce transportation costs and transit times while facilitating greater trade.
The meeting further discussed importing LNG from Myanmar and expanding investment cooperation.
The Rohingya crisis featured prominently during the talks, with Bangladesh reiterating that the return of the displaced population must be voluntary, safe, sustainable and dignified.
Kyaw Soe Moe said Myanmar was continuing to verify the lists of Rohingya refugees submitted by Bangladesh.
“The process of vetting the list of Rohingya received for repatriation is ongoing,” he said, adding that Myanmar would take the necessary steps to advance the process once security conditions and the situation on the ground became favourable.
The Bangladesh side called for the creation of a conducive environment to enable the early return of the Rohingya community and pressed for “effective and visible progress” on the repatriation process.
Both countries also agreed to continue regular institutional dialogue through joint committee meetings, with a proposal discussed to hold the next meeting in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military authorities suspended most border trade in April 2025, citing extortion demands by the insurgent group on cargo vessels, dealing a heavy blow to traders on both sides.
Although a timber laden trawler from Myanmar arrived at Teknaf Land Port on 1 May this year, raising hopes of a revival in commerce, security concerns have continued to restrict normal trade.
At present, imports from Myanmar are largely limited to timber from Rakhine State, while Bangladesh continues to export consumer goods, including soft drinks and biscuits.
Traders say commercial activity remains constrained despite the absence of strict navigation barriers on parts of the Naf River because of persistent security risks.
Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akter and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin also attended the meeting.
