Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomes President Tran Dai Quang in Dahka, February 5, 2018.

Both leaders saw eye-to-eye on the need to fully tap the countries’ advantages which include large populations, a young workforce, a dynamic business community, and important geographical positions. Vietnam is regarded as a gateway to Southeast Asia and Bangladesh as gateway to South Asia.

The two sides discussed cooperation in garments and textiles, footwear, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and a possible direct air route between Vietnam and Bangladesh. Prime Minister Hasina pledged the best conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Bangladesh and said her country wants to learn from the Vietnamese experience in agriculture. She also promised to continue importing rice from Vietnam.

President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witness the signing of some cooperative agreements between Vietnam and Bangladesh, February 5, 2018.

The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in national defense, security, tourism, culture, and at international forums such as the UN, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the Asia-Europe Meeting. Prime Minister Hasina said she believes President Quang’s visit will elevate bilateral ties to new heights. President Quang had earlier wrapped up a 3-day state visit to India.