Bangladesh, Indonesia seek easier visa rules, smoother travel and stronger trade ties

Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta met Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Thursday to discuss simplifying visa and travel procedures and strengthening bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, focused on enhancing people-to-people connectivity, expanding educational cooperation and deepening collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in gas and oil.

The two sides emphasised improving facilities, convenience and security for Bangladeshi tourists travelling to Indonesia. They also discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and create greater opportunities for Indonesian companies to invest and operate in Bangladesh.

Simplifying the visa process, restoring visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi citizens and introducing direct flights between the two countries were among the key issues discussed.

The meeting also explored new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, energy, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges to further strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

The two sides discussed encouraging more Indonesian investment in Bangladesh and strengthening business-to-business and entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur links. They also explored expanding trade in garments, jute, agricultural products and palm oil, while increasing exports of halal products.

Both sides agreed to deepen multifaceted cooperation and further strengthen the longstanding bonds of Muslim brotherhood between the two countries.

Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati and Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Md Abul Hasan Mridha also attended the meeting.