Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, manpower, energy and air connectivity, with both sides placing particular emphasis on stronger business-to-business engagement.The understanding came during a courtesy meeting between Brunei Darussalam’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Haji Haris Bin Othman, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly through expanded manpower cooperation, trade and investment, energy collaboration and improved air connectivity.The State Minister expressed Bangladesh’s interest in facilitating the employment of more Bangladeshi workers in Brunei Darussalam. She also stressed the need for greater business-to-business engagement to expand bilateral trade and investment.Highlighting the importance of inclusive economic cooperation, Shama Obaed Islam underscored the scope for collaboration between women entrepreneurs of the two countries and proposed establishing a Bangladesh–Brunei Chamber of Commerce.The Brunei High Commissioner welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to broadening trade and investment cooperation with Bangladesh.Bangladesh also sought greater market access in Brunei for a range of Bangladeshi products, including pharmaceuticals, jute goods, agricultural products and mangoes.In a significant step towards strengthening commercial ties, both sides agreed to form a joint business group comprising representatives of business chambers, entrepreneurs and investors from Bangladesh and Brunei.The proposed group is expected to help identify new areas of commercial cooperation and facilitate meaningful outcomes in trade, commerce and investment for the mutual benefit of the two countries. The latest discussions reflect Bangladesh’s growing interest in expanding economic and commercial engagement with Brunei while seeking new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, entrepreneurs and exporters in the Brunei market.