Bangladesh and Maldives are considering mechanisms to boost trade and investment. A meeting between Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh, and Mr. Abdullah Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Maldives discussed establishing two regular consultation mechanisms, (i) a joint commission for comprehensive cooperation to be led by the respective foreign ministers and (ii) annual foreign office consultations to be led by the respective foreign secretaries; and a direct shipping line through a shipping agreement.

Maldives President Ibrahim Solih will visit Dhaka, Bangladesh, in March. Necessary memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed during his visit, according to the report by the Daily Star.

Mr. Momen also proposed holding regular commerce secretary level meetings to address trade issues in detail and sign a preferential trade agreement to further harness their bilateral trade potential.

Tourism was also discussed. Mr. Momen called for cooperation on tourism, such as the promotion of coastal and river tourism between Malé, Maldives, and Chattogram, Bangladesh, and collaboration for market development, sharing of best practices, and exchange of expert tour operators between the two countries.

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Bangladesh, Maldives look to enhance trade

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