Bangladesh, Tajikistan move to conclude pacts on tourism, trade cooperation
Dhaka: Bangladesh and Tajikistan have agreed to expedite the signing of a series of bilateral agreements, including instruments on tourism promotion and trade and economic cooperation, as the two countries sought to broaden ties during their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dhaka on July 8.
The consultations were led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar, according to a press release from the ministry.
Ahead of the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations to institutionalize a regular dialogue mechanism between their foreign ministries.
During the talks, Bangladesh and Tajikistan agreed to conclude bilateral instruments at the earliest on trade and economic cooperation, tourism promotion, cultural cooperation, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments, and cooperation in the industrial sector.
The two countries also discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and investment by increasing private sector engagement and exchanges of business delegations. Bangladesh highlighted its strengths in the ready-made garment, jute, and pharmaceutical industries and invited Tajik investors to explore investment opportunities in the country's Special Economic Zones.
Dhaka also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and signing an MoU between the apex business chambers of the two countries while inviting an exploratory mission of Tajik private sector representatives.
The delegations explored potential cooperation in mineral resources, with Bangladesh expressing interest in benefiting from Tajikistan's reserves and expertise in gold, aluminum, zinc, copper, lead, and silver.
Both sides also emphasized expanding people-to-people contacts through greater cooperation in education, sports, tourism, and cultural exchanges, alongside creating employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi professionals in Tajikistan.
On the political front, the two countries pledged to strengthen bilateral relations through reciprocal visits by foreign ministers and discussed forming a Bangladesh-Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to enhance parliamentary exchanges.
Bangladesh and Tajikistan also agreed to deepen cooperation at regional and international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Bangladesh thanked Tajikistan for supporting its candidacy for the Presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The delegations exchanged views on regional developments and underscored the strategic importance of strengthening connectivity between South and Central Asia.
They agreed to hold the second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dushanbe at a mutually convenient time.
Separately, the two countries signed an MoU between their diplomatic training institutes. The agreement was signed by Foreign Service Academy Rector Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar on the sidelines of the consultations.
