Indonesian investors are keen on investing in Bangladesh’s energy and power sectors, as they see immense potential in the south Asian country, the envoy of the archipelagic country said yesterday.“There is a huge trade gap between Indonesia and Bangladesh. So more investment is required to reduce the trade gap,” said Rina P Soemarno, Indonesian ambassador to Bangladesh.“We need to work jointly to increase trade volume.”She was addressing a press briefing at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka announcing the start of a three-day Indonesia Fair 2019 at International Convention City Bashundhara from tomorrow.The Indonesian embassy in Dhaka would be organising the event focusing trade, tourism and investment.The bilateral trade volume between the two nations last year reached $1.97 billion, most of it in favour of Jakarta.Bangladesh exported only $55 million worth of goods in 2017-18, up from $46.40 million in 2016-17, according to data of Bangladesh’s Export Promotion Bureau.Export earnings from the country in the current fiscal year’s July-January period stands at $33.27 million.“A number of B2B (business to business) sessions will be organised,” Soemarno said.“Some 25 Indonesian businesses and companies have registered to meet with prospective partners in Bangladesh to discuss business, venture or investment cooperation.”Around 40 exhibitors will showcase Indonesian consumer and industrial goods and services, including traditional boutique, jewellery, handicraft, food and beverage, automotives and make special tourism offers.The participants include state-owned enterprises PT Pertamina (oil and natural gas), PT Inka (railway), Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and PT Pindad (military and heavy equipment). The fair will stay open for all from 11am to 8pm.
