A long-term energy partnership between Bangladesh and Brunei has been agreed upon, with a focus on Bangladesh’s supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other petroleum products.
This was mentioned in a joint statement released here this evening by Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam regarding Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s state visit to Bangladesh.
According to the statement, Brunei Darussalam recognized the expatriate Bangladeshis’ contribution to the country’s ongoing growth.
Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam agreed to discuss the possibility of recruiting more workers, including skilled workforce and professionals from Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam in the relevant sectors, where necessary.
Both the sides agreed to govern the recruitment process in a transparent, orderly and ethical manner.
The benefits of the investment prospects in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones were made available to Brunei Darussalam.
The offer was noted by Brunei Darussalam, which was eager to explore possible areas of investment cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
The Southeast Asian nation also invited Bangladesh to consider investing in its economic diversification activities, such as in the food, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
Both the sides identified trade and investment as areas of vital bilateral cooperation and expressed their keenness to work to increase the volume of two-way trade, which is currently far below the potential.
The two sides also welcomed discussions to explore the possibility of a mechanism between the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam to widen cooperation in trade, commerce and investment, as well as to seek support for enhanced business-to-business relations and cooperation.
Both the sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in the field of Halal trade.
Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam made the state visit to Bangladesh on October 15-16 at the invitations of Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.