Dhaka has asked Colombo to sign several trade and business agreements to facilitating cross-border trade and investment.

The call was made when Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen met his Sri Lankan Counterpart Tilak Marapana on the sidelines of the IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference Thursday (Sept 5).

“Momen mentioned that a growing number of Sri Lankans are engaging in the RMG sector in Bangladesh and stressed that signing of the agreements on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment, Avoidance of Double Taxation and Cooperation on Customs Matters would further safeguard and encourage investments in a win-win manner,” said a media release issued by the foreign ministry.

Expressing agreement with the Bangladesh side, Marapana informed that a delegation from Sri Lanka is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in mid-September to discuss further business enhancement opportunities in Bangladesh.

Momen urged his Sri Lankan counterpart to expedite the conclusion of the Coastal Shipping Agreement between the two countries which is expected to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries.

He also highlighted the potential of imparting quality and affordable pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka.

About Rohingya crisis, Momen sought Sri Lankan support for repatriation of the more than 1 million Rohingyas from Bangladesh back to Myanmar, in safety and dignity.

He cautioned that if this situation is allowed to continue for long, it can lead to security challenges in the region.