Dhaka, Bangladesh: Burmese envoy Phae Tham Oo for Bangladesh took up bilateral issues between Burma and Bangladesh including the Rohingya problem and made a proposal to set up joint ventures industries in Burma when he met Industries Minister Dilip Barua at his office on Wednesday, according to sources.

Burma proposed Bangladesh to set up joint-venture industries and agricultural farms in Burma utilizing its huge workforce and Burma's abundant land, the source added.

"If Bangladesh sets up its world-standard industries like textiles, ceramics, medicines and jute in Myanmar through transferring their technology, both the neighbouring countries will gain economically," the envoy told reporters.

He also stressed the need for resolving the current disputes between the two countries, including the Rohingya refugee problem and the maritime-boundary dispute, through mutual understanding.

An elder told Kaladan News from Arakan State, if Bangladesh sets up joint-venture industries and agricultural farms in Burma, it will not benefit the public. But, it will be profitable for the Burmese government which will become strong by the day and it will increase persecution on its people.

During the meeting, Dilip Barua said the two neighbours would be able to develop their industrial sectors through introducing smooth and easy rail-and road-transport networks.

"Bangladesh is willing to work together with Myanmar for achieving bilateral socioeconomic development of the two countries," the minister told the envoy.
Bangladesh imports fish and other necessary goods from Burma.

A Rohingya refugee elder said that the Rohingya problem will not be solved until the international community takes a strong decision on Burma.