Narinjara News


PM Bangladesh leaves for Rangoon tomorrow

Dhaka, 18^th March 03:  Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia leaves Dhaka on a three-day official visit tomorrow.  The premiere is scheduled to hold talks with the Burmese side covering road links, expanding trade cooperation and the whole gamut of bilateral relations, said a number of local newspapers including the Ittefaq today.

During the visit agreements, protocols and memorandum of understanding on trade, coastal shipping and other bilateral issues are expected to be signed between the two neighbours.

The visit between 19 and 21 March, at the invitation of the premiere and chairman of State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) junta of Burma, General Than Shwe, will highlight the changing ‘Look East’ policy of Bangladesh.  Than Shwe last December came to Dhaka on a state visit.

Besides the formal talks and signing of agreements, Khaleda will inaugurate a Bangladesh Trade Fair and address a number of businessmen, industrialists and higher officials of the junta.  The formal trade deficit with Burma now stands at 15 million US dollar.  The formal import from Burma last year recorded 18 million dollar while the export merely 2.05 million dollars.

According to an official announcement yesterday, the two Prime Ministers will hold talks tomorrow at the Burmese National Parliament, Pyithu Hluttaw.

Foreign, Communications and Trade ministers including a fifty strong entourage will accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  Besides that, a 16-member trade and industries delegation and a cultural delegation will also join the prime minister.  Meanwhile, about two hundred people from Bangladesh have already gone to Rangoon for the arrangement of the trade fair.

Begum Zia is expected to visit a number of important places in the Burmese capital including the tomb of Bahadur Shah Zafar.  []