Bangladesh and Tajikistan have taken a significant step towards deepening their bilateral ties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). The MoU, signed in Dhaka, aims to institutionalise a regular consultation mechanism, reaffirming both countries' commitment to strengthening their political, economic, and regional cooperation. The signing took place before the first-ever Foreign Office Consultations between the two nations.
High-Level Delegations Lead Consultations
The consultations were led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam for Bangladesh and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar for Tajikistan. Both sides attached high importance to recalibrating and expanding bilateral relations, agreeing to further strengthen political engagement through reciprocal visits by the foreign ministers.
Economic Cooperation and Trade
On trade, investment, and economic cooperation, both sides agreed to encourage greater private sector engagement and exchanges of business delegations to unlock the untapped economic potential between the two countries. Bangladesh highlighted its global leadership in key manufacturing sectors, including ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute products, and pharmaceuticals, inviting Tajik investors to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
People-to-People Contacts and Cultural Exchanges
The discussions also focused on cooperation in mineral resources, with Bangladesh expressing interest in benefiting from Tajikistan's expertise and reserves of gold, aluminium, zinc, copper, lead, and silver. Both countries explored ways to strengthen people-to-people contacts through cooperation in education, sports, tourism, and culture, as well as exchanges of students, youth, and cultural troupes.
Future Engagements and Bilateral Instruments
The delegations agreed to expedite negotiations on several bilateral instruments covering trade and economic cooperation, cultural cooperation, visa waiver arrangements for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism promotion, avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments, and industrial cooperation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing coordination and mutual support at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Side Agreements and Next Steps
On the sidelines of the consultations, Bangladesh and Tajikistan also signed a separate 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. The two delegations agreed that the meeting had laid a solid foundation for future engagements and decided to hold the second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dushanbe at a mutually convenient date.
