Bangladesh, Vietnam to enhance cooperation to combat human trafficking, illegal migration

Bangladesh and Vietnam have expressed interest in strengthening mutual cooperation to combat human trafficking, illegal migration and transnational crime. At the same time, the two countries discussed working more closely on security cooperation, consular services, trade, investment and regular migration management.

The bilateral meeting was held between high-level representatives of Bangladesh and Vietnam at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed led the meeting on Bangladesh's behalf. Vietnam's side was led by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security.

The meeting focused on visa-related complications for Bangladeshi citizens in Vietnam, repatriation of irregular migrants and ensuring safe migration. The Bangladesh side sought Vietnam's cooperation in the process of bringing back irregular migrants.

The Home Minister requested Vietnam to simplify the visa process for Bangladeshi citizens seeking legal tourists, businessmen, workers and family visas. He said that direct communication between the relevant agencies of the two countries is necessary to ensure regular and safe migration.

The meeting also emphasized institutional cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking, drug smuggling and cross-border crimes. The two countries expressed positive attitudes towards increasing information exchange and coordinated action to curb such crimes.

The meeting also discussed trade and investment relations. The Bangladesh side said that trade between the two countries has already reached a significant level. It was hoped that the volume of trade could increase further if a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is signed in the future.

In addition, Vietnam was urged to increase its interest in importing agricultural products, medicines and other quality products from Bangladesh. At the same time, Vietnamese entrepreneurs were invited to utilize investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The Vietnamese side assured to seriously consider the issues raised by Bangladesh. Both countries expressed hope that in the future, Bangladesh-Vietnam relations will be further strengthened in the areas of security, trade and people-to-people contacts.