Bangladesh keen for better trade and investment relations with Vietnam

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday emphasised on an “accelerated tapping” into the potentials of trade and investment prevailing in Bangladesh by the Vietnamese  business and investors for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Lauding rapid economic growth of Vietnam, he expressed his keen interest in relocating textile and fashion industry in Bangladesh and urged to create more robust synergies among the business community of the two countries.

The State Minister encouraged facilitation of more frequent business-to-business contacts to harness the optimum economic gains through deep and more diversified economic cooperation between the two countries.

Outgoing Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien met State Minister Alam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest.

The envoy also called on Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and discussed issues of bilateral interests, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The State Minister and the Vietnamese envoy exchanged greetings and warm felicitations on the historic occasion of the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two friendly countries this year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Referring to the unprecedented sufferings, immense sacrifice and heroic struggle for independence by both the countries, Alam observed that both the counties were fortunate in having the charismatic and visionary leaders like the Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the great leader Ho Chi Minh, who dedicated their lives for the emancipation of the people of their respective nations.

He also highlighted the phenomenal socio-economic progress of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina under her Vision-2041 and Delta Plan-2100.

Both the State Minister and the Vietnamese  Ambassador reiterated their strong commitment and readiness for further revitalising the existing excellent bilateral relations, particularly in the context of the milestone occasion of the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Alam stressed the importance of more exchange of high level visits in order to infuse the bilateral relations with more dynamism and vitality.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs urged Vietnam to explore Bangladesh as a sourcing destination for products like, pharmaceuticals, ICT products and services, leather and leather goods, agro-products, ceramic products, bi-cycles, vegetable and fish-products, eco-friendly jute products and handicrafts  in addition to the RMG, which would help achieve a better balance in the bilateral trade.  

Alam appreciated Vietnam’s continuous support in resolving the crisis of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and sought a more proactive role from both ASEAN and Vietnam on the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

He also voiced caution that further prolongation of the crisis would have region-wide security implications as those people remain vulnerable to exploitation.

The State Minister also sought Vietnam’s stronger support for Bangladesh’s inclusion as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the ASEAN on an expeditious basis.  

He congratulated the Ambassador on his successful completion of duty in Dhaka and for his valuable contributions for further strengthening Bangladesh-Vietnam bilateral relations despite difficulties posed by the pandemic.

The Ambassador thanked the government of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for every support during his assignment in Dhaka.