Ambassador Tran Van Khoa, during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, expressed contentment with the extension of the memorandum of understanding on rice trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam. He also mentioned that the first shipment of rice from Vietnam is expected to arrive in Chittagong within 15 days. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the importance of preserving extra food supplies for any unforeseen circumstances, while also acknowledging Vietnam's impressive socioeconomic progress since the war. "She stated that Vietnam serves as a model for us, and we are inspired by their fight for independence," she added. The prime minister highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity and economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries. She noted that Bangladesh and Vietnam could exchange their knowledge and experiences in various areas such as trade and culture. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the new Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh, Tran Van Khoa, at her office in the parliament. The photo was taken by PID." Hasina described poverty as a common issue for developing nations and urged for collective efforts to eradicate this 'curse'. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the new Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh, Tran Van Khoa, at her office in the parliament. Hasina expressed that success could be achieved through collaboration. The Vietnamese ambassador commended Bangladesh's efforts in combating terrorism and addressing the impacts of climate change, mentioning the commonalities between the two countries. Tran Van Khoa also praised Bangladesh's 7.24 percent GDP growth in the previous fiscal year and conveyed best wishes from Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Sheikh Hasina. He also gave Hasina a book about the life of Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, which contained memories of the War of Liberation. Khoa mentioned that both countries had acknowledged their respective Wars of Liberation and highlighted the importance of high-level delegation visits. The newly appointed envoy stated that his main goal would be to enhance bilateral relations and continue cooperation in various sectors between the two countries. Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, the PM's Principal Secretary, and Suraiya Begum, Senior PMO Secretary, were also present during the event. Bangladesh plans to import 250,000 tonnes of rice from Vietnam to make up for losses caused by unseasonal downpours that flooded Boro rice crops in April. Official reports indicate that the damaged crops would have produced approximately 600,000 tons of rice. Unofficial sources suggest the number is closer to 2.2 million tons. In response, the government has reduced import taxes and issued new contracts in an attempt to lower domestic prices.