How to connect vb.net to ONLINE MySQL database?

Anyone had an idea how to connect vb.net windows form application program into online / intranet database?

I tried using localhost, yes it connect but if i use IP in the HOST i cant access the database.

Here is my connection:

    Dim conStr As String = "server=192.168.1.18;Uid=root;Pwd='';Database=hrms"
    Dim con As New MySqlConnection(conStr)
    Try
        MessageBox.Show("Connecting to mysql database..................")
        con.Open()
        Dim sqlStr As String = "SELECT * FROM accounts"
        Dim cmd As MySqlCommand = New MySqlCommand(sqlStr, con)
        Dim rd As MySqlDataReader = cmd.ExecuteReader
        rd.Read()

        If rd.HasRows Then
            MessageBox.Show(rd(0) & " " & rd(1) & " Naa koi na fetch")
            Exit Sub
        Else
            MessageBox.Show("Could not find something")
            Exit Sub
        End If

        con.Close()
    Catch ex As Exception
        MessageBox.Show(ex.Message)
    End Try