Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, emphasized the need to expand economic cooperation between Indonesia and Bangladesh, citing the $3 billion trade volume between the two countries last year.
Speaking at the “Indonesia-Bangladesh Business Gathering and Networking Dinner” held Sunday at Dhaka’s Intercontinental Hotel, Nasir highlighted the five-decade-long bilateral relationship and Indonesia’s position as the fourth-largest exporter to Bangladesh. He underscored the importance of leveraging this momentum to unlock greater economic potential.
“Indonesia and Bangladesh are not only neighbors in the Indian Ocean—we are partners in prosperity,” Nasir stated. He stressed that mutual trust, cultural ties, and institutional collaboration are essential to driving sustained economic growth.
The event, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bangladesh, spotlighted opportunities for deeper engagement in sectors such as energy, maritime logistics, mining, health, textiles, and food.
IBCCI Vice President Mostafa Qamrus Sobhan echoed the sentiment, noting Bangladesh’s fast-growing economy and its reliance on Indonesian raw materials like coal, palm oil, and chemicals. He pointed to garments and jute products as key exports in return.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties to fuel long-term regional growth and prosperity.
