Jakarta: Highlighting the quality of Bangladeshi goods, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday sought duty- and quota-free access of its 129 products to Indonesia.

This was proposed in a meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the Asian African Summit 2015. A joint statement was issued after the meeting.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and PM’s Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhuri briefed reporters following the meeting.

Shahidul Haque said Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Nazmul Quainine and a DG of the Foreign Ministry of Indonesia signed the joint statement.

In response to the proposal for the duty-free access of products, he said, the Indonesia side assured that they would examine the issue.

Shahidul Haque said the two countries have decided to strengthen collaboration in the fields of UN peacekeeping mission, agriculture and agro-products, tourism, science and ICT, RMG, cultural exchange, energy and mineral resources, including power and coal.

Shameem Chowdhuri said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also sought the market access of Bangladeshi products like pharmaceuticals, jute and jute-made goods to Indonesian market as well as highlighted private sector cooperation between the two countries.

She also sought the Indonesian government’s support in capacity building for extracting maritime resources, enhancing the capacity in shipbuilding and boosting connectivity.

The Prime Minister laid emphasis on boosting trade and commerce between the two countries since the two countries have huge population.

In this connection, the Indonesian President stressed holding a foreign minister-level Joint Commission meeting on a regular basis as well as requested the Bangladesh Prime Minister for cooperation in UN peacekeeping training.

Joko Widodo also sought support of the Bangladesh government for its candidature at the UN Security Council non-permanent seat for the 2019-20 session.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina also invited the Indonesian President to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.