Originally posted in The Business Standard on 15 June 2022
Indonesia has shared some new proposals of large joint-venture (JV) investment, approximately to the tune of $1.3 billion, in the energy sector of Bangladesh.
If materialised, this would add significant economic substance to the bilateral relations with Bangladesh and help strengthen it further, says Indonesia.
The issue came up for discussion when Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Heru H Subolo met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Masud shed light on the phenomenal socio-economic development Bangladesh achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He encouraged the Indonesian investors and business community to take advantage of the huge opportunity prevailing in Bangladesh for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
While discussing the global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures caused by pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflicts, Foreign Secretary Masud stressed on accelerating bilateral and regional cooperation to cope with such challenges.
He also emphasised on starting direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Jakarta, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They discussed important aspects of the existing excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia and exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations this year.
While discussing the many commonalities that bind the two countries, the foreign secretary made specific mention of the syncretic culture and the liberal, tolerant and moderate practice of religion that form the very basic fabric of society both in Bangladesh and in Indonesia.
Masud shared that the independence of Bangladesh was achieved on the very ideals of democracy, justice, tolerance and secularism.
The ambassador assured of taking necessary initiatives to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner.
Foreign secretary welcomed the Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh, wished him well and assured him of all possible support to him and to his mission here.