The Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial, Cultural, Scientific and Technological Cooperation also decided to activate joint business council and form joint business chamber as strategies to promote trade and investment.

Finance Minister Saifur Rahman led the Bangladesh side at the 2-day meeting concluded in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday while Vietnamese Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen led the Vietnamese side, according to a message received here.

Bangladesh expressed its interest to export jute goods, pharmaceuticals, plastic products, readymade garments, melamine and porcelain products to Vietnam.

The Joint Commission decided to encourage investment in their respective countries, especially in garment and labour-intensive industries.

It also agreed on cooperation in exploration of agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors as they decided to exchange scientific information of data, undertaking training and other exchange programmes for mutual benefits.

Cooperation in tourism sector will be strengthened through both public and private sectors.

The two sides agreed to closely monitor the implementation of decisions of the Joint Commission, according to the message.

Issues came up for extensive discussion at the meeting include trade, investment, agriculture, tourism communication, education, culture, and science and technology.