Dhaka also eyes greater cooperation in climate change, AI, education and women`s entrepreneurship

Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with greater trade, direct air connectivity, climate cooperation and educational exchanges emerging as key areas of potential collaboration.

The two countries discussed expanding economic ties beyond traditional business engagements, increasing imports of Bangladeshi products into Indonesia and creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs during a meeting between Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta and Bangladesh`s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam in Dhaka on Thursday.

During the meeting at her office, Shama Obaed emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral trade and urged Indonesia to import more products from Bangladesh, which could help local businesses access a wider market and diversify the country`s export destinations.

She also highlighted the need for greater cooperation between women entrepreneurs in the two countries, stressing an area of partnership that could create new business opportunities, encourage knowledge-sharing and support women`s participation in economic activities.

Welcoming the proposals, Anis Matta expressed Indonesia`s interest in working closely with Bangladesh to expand economic cooperation beyond conventional business activities, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Improved air connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions, with the Indonesian vice minister encouraging the two countries to explore the possibility of introducing direct flights between Dhaka and Jakarta.

A direct air link could make travel easier for businesspeople, tourists, students and other travellers, while helping strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries. However, the proposal would require further exploration by the relevant authorities.

Anis Matta also expressed Indonesia`s interest in exploring Dhaka as a potential transit hub for Indonesian passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia. Such an arrangement could create opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its position as a regional aviation and transit centre, subject to further discussions and operational feasibility.

Beyond trade and connectivity, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in several emerging and strategic areas, including environmental protection, climate change, artificial intelligence and cultural exchange.

Shama Obaed called for stronger collaboration in these fields, reflecting the growing importance of technological development, environmental sustainability and cultural understanding in international relations.

The two countries could also explore opportunities to share knowledge and expertise in addressing climate-related challenges and adopting new technologies, while cultural exchanges could help strengthen mutual understanding between their peoples.

Education and training emerged as another important area of potential cooperation. The state minister encouraged Indonesian students to consider pursuing higher education in Bangladesh, particularly at the country`s medical universities.

Greater educational exchanges could open new opportunities for academic cooperation and strengthen links between institutions in the two countries. At the same time, attracting international students could help raise the profile of Bangladesh`s higher education sector.

The meeting reflects the shared interest of Bangladesh and Indonesia in broadening their longstanding relations through practical cooperation in trade, investment, transport, education and emerging technologies.

For Bangladesh, stronger economic engagement with Indonesia could help expand export opportunities in Southeast Asia, while closer cooperation in aviation and education could generate additional avenues for commercial and institutional partnerships.

Indonesia, meanwhile, could benefit from closer engagement with Bangladesh through expanded trade, improved regional connectivity and broader cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Anis Matta is visiting Bangladesh on an official trip and is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The discussions have identified several potential areas for closer cooperation, although translating the proposals into concrete outcomes will depend on follow-up engagement and decisions by the relevant authorities in both countries.