Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: Burma has shown interest in importing potatoes from Bangladesh because of their low cost, said Commerce Minister Faruk Khan at a press briefing on November 28.
It is expected Bangladesh will export a total of 100 thousand tons of potatoes to Burma, he noted.
Bangladeshi exporters may get higher prices for their potatoes from Burmese importers, a trader from Chittagong said.
During his visit to Burma, the Commerce Minister urged leaders of both countries to improve their banking and shipping facilities. He also asked that arrangements for the leasing of agricultural land in Burma be made easier.
“Bangladesh imported goods worth US$ 180 million from Burma in last fiscal year and exported goods worth US$ 20 million,” he pointed out. “The imported goods included rice, and lentils, while cement, pharmaceuticals, condensed milks and electric cables were exported,” he added.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit Burma from December 5 to 6 to discuss bilateral trade issues.
“Burma wants to establish connectivity with Bangladesh in terms of roads, air traffic, waterways and railways,” the minister said.
