‘Dhaka, Jakarta need to think of new trade issues’

Indonesian Ambassador in Dhaka Iwan Wiranata Atmadja Tuesday said Bangladesh and Indonesia need to think of 'beyond the box' instead of concentrating only on 'traditional' trade issues to build a stronger partnership between the two countries in the coming days, reports UNB.

"…but we've to think (of) beyond the box. We've to think about how to build the partnership in many other areas…so this is how we can develop our cooperation and build (a) better partnership," said the envoy.

The Indonesian diplomat made the remark while addressing a country lecture programme titled 'Indonesia-Bangladesh: Forging Ahead to the Future', arranged by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the city.

BIISS Director General (DG) Maj Gen SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, former ambassadors, scholars and policymakers took part in the discussion chaired by BIISS Chairman Munshi Faiz Ahmad.

The Indonesian diplomat explained further saying his country will have difficulties in importing products from Bangladesh as both the countries produce similar products in many cases.

"Our products are quite the same. You produce cheap pharmaceutical products, we do. You produce garment, we do. You produce agriculture products, we do. …that's why if you base only on these, the barriers (to boost bilateral trade) are so much," Atmadja said.