Bangladesh Seeks Indonesia’s Backing for ASEAN Membership
— November 3, 2024
DHAKA (AIA) Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, has requested Indonesia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and urged expanded business opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Yunus made the appeal during a farewell meeting with Indonesian Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Emphasising the significance of ASEAN membership, Yunus said, “I hope Indonesia will help us achieve ASEAN membership. This is crucial for us.”
He noted that he had also raised the issue with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit to Bangladesh, as Malaysia is set to assume the ASEAN chair in January.
The Indonesian envoy expressed his country’s willingness to support Bangladesh’s interim government, stating that Indonesia would closely monitor Bangladesh’s application to join ASEAN. “Indonesia stands ready to support Bangladesh in every possible way. Hopefully, it will be mutually beneficial,” Subolo said.
Reflecting on his visits to Indonesia, Yunus highlighted the limited presence of Bangladeshi businesses there and encouraged further economic cooperation. He also urged Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh.
The chief adviser proposed that Indonesia admit more Bangladeshi students to its universities, employ Bangladeshi doctors, and increase imports of pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh. Ambassador Subolo agreed to work towards enhancing business collaboration between the two countries.