Bangladesh and Tajikistan today underscored the importance of promoting wider inter-regional connectivity between South and Central Asia, as the two countries agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, transport, and regional diplomacy.
Foreign Office Consultation
The issue came to the fore when Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the foreign ministry following the inaugural Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two countries.
Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Recognizing the unique strategic position of South and Central Asia, they stressed the need for enhanced inter-regional connectivity to unlock greater economic opportunities, facilitate trade and investment, and promote closer people-to-people ties.
Institutional Frameworks and Agreements
The Tajik deputy foreign minister emphasized the importance of establishing institutional frameworks through memorandums of understanding and bilateral agreements to broaden cooperation. Both sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of agreements on trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism promotion, avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion and protection, and industrial cooperation.
Trade and Investment
Describing the existing bilateral trade volume as modest, Dr. Rahman highlighted the need for stronger private sector engagement and more frequent business exchanges to tap the untapped economic potential between the two countries. The discussions also covered the possibility of opening resident diplomatic missions in Dhaka and Dushanbe, launching direct air connectivity, simplifying visa procedures, expanding people-to-people contacts, showcasing export products, facilitating trade and investment, and ensuring smoother movement of goods, services, and skilled workforce.
Parliamentary and Regional Cooperation
The two sides also attached importance to activating the Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and strengthening engagement between the apex business chambers and private sector organizations. The Bangladesh foreign minister welcomed Tajikistan's proposal to establish a Bangladesh-Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote regular exchanges between lawmakers.
International Forums and Support
Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude to Tajikistan for supporting Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The two countries also agreed to deepen coordination at regional and international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while exchanging views on regional and global developments. During the meeting, Tajikistan responded positively to Bangladesh's aspiration to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), reaffirming its support for closer regional cooperation.
