Dhaka (Mizzima) – Bangladesh’s ambassador to Burma and other envoys met Burmese officials and businessmen during his visit to the capital of Arakan State, Sittwe, on Monday, to discuss solutions to the flagging bilateral trade between the two countries, a merchant who attended the meeting said.
A three-member team from Rangoon led by Bangladeshi ambassador Major General Anup Kumar Chakma joined Burma Agricultural Product Trading (BAPT) divisional manager Soe Paing and 14 Burmese businessmen from the fisheries, timber and construction sectors for two hours of talks at the BAPT office in Sittwe.
The businessmen sought direct trade with the Bangladeshi port of Chittagong, in addition to the post at Teknaf. The envoys also proposed to increase their country’s exports through Sittwe and Maungdaw.
Burma exports include turmeric, rice, beans and fish products to Bangladesh and imports medicines, cement, garments, kitchen accessories and cosmetics. The businessmen wanted to add building materials and chemical fertilisers to the list of imported goods, a Burmese merchant said. Burma imports cement, orchids and lilies.
Border trade started in 1994, and the trade value amounted to US$140 million last year. Trade was expected to reach US$500 million this year, according to official figures.
Illegal exports of timber, cattle and fish products to Bangladesh leads to corruption by local authorities in both countries.
