Bangladesh, Myanmar eye reopening border trade to boost agri, pharma flows

Bangladesh and Myanmar are moving to restart long-suspended border trade to reignite cross-border commerce across key sectors, including agriculture, rice, pharmaceuticals, and fisheries.

The development came during a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe at the commerce ministry in Dhaka today, according to a press release.

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Both sides agreed that unlocking land routes and strengthening business-to-business (B2B) ties would deliver immediate relief and new commercial opportunities for traders on both sides.

The ambassador expressed interest in raising trade volumes, noting that reopening long-suspended border trade, even on a limited or temporary scale initially, would benefit businesses and people on both sides.

Beyond land connectivity, the two sides discussed trade potential in agriculture, fisheries, rice, medicine, and frozen food, and agreed to strengthen B2B engagement.

They also stressed swiftly finalising a proposed agreement on direct sea and shipping connectivity between the two countries, which they said would cut transport costs and time while significantly boosting bilateral trade.

The commerce minister said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening ties with neighbouring countries through mutual respect, trust, and economic cooperation.

He added that trade, transport, investment, and border connectivity issues involving other ministries would be reviewed through inter-ministerial coordination, noting that geographical proximity and existing potential could help raise bilateral trade further.

The discussion also touched upon liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and mutual investment opportunities.

Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional talks and joint committee meetings, with a proposal discussed for the next joint meeting to be held in Bangladesh.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary Ayesha Akter, and Myanmar Embassy Councillor Myat Lwin were present at the meeting.