The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) on Saturday emphasized enhancing bilateral business cooperation with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

FBBCI President Mahbubul Alam said Bangladesh and Myanmar have long enjoyed friendly relations. There is a huge trade potential between the two neighboring countries. However, the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is very low.

He has urged to strengthen commercial relations by quickly solving the existing problems between the two countries.

Mahbubul made this call in a courtesy meeting with Myanmar's ambassador to Dhaka, Aung Kyaw Moe, at the FBCCI office in Gulshan in the capital on Saturday.

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In response, Myanmar's ambassador said that Bangladesh and Myanmar have historically maintained friendly relations. Myanmar was one of the first 5 countries to recognize Bangladesh in 1971. Myanmar is interested in strengthening the trade relations between the two countries.

The ambassador also expressed Myanmar's interest in starting direct flights between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

He (Moe) also said that the Myanmar government is working with the Bangladesh government to solve the Rohingya crisis.

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The FBCCI President said trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh has been going on for a long time. Once upon a time trade was done with Yangon by sea from Chittagong. But due to several reasons, the rate of trade between the two countries has decreased slightly.

“Although there are many potential sectors of both countries, we are not able to utilize that opportunity properly. Resolving the existing problems between the two countries, including the Rohingya problem, will benefit both countries commercially,” he added.

The FBCCI president also said that Bangladesh has gained a great reputation globally in various products including ready-made garments, the pharmaceutical industry, ceramics, jute, and leather products.

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Myanmar can import these products from Bangladesh. Besides, Bangladesh can import various products including rice, onions, and spices from Myanmar, Mahbubul said.

He also said that Myanmar can come forward to meet Bangladesh's energy needs and Myanmar businessmen can invest in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zone.