Bangladesh, Singapore commit to stronger bilateral ties

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has held a courtesy meeting with Mitchell Lee, Charge d'Affaires (CDA) of the Singapore High Commission in Bangladesh. The meeting took place on Wednesday, March 25.

During the meeting, Singapore expressed keen interest in concluding the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (BSFTA) swiftly and requested continued cooperation on the Bay Terminal project.

The state minister assured the CDA that Bangladesh would extend full cooperation in coordination with relevant government agencies to facilitate progress. At the outset of the meeting, the CDA congratulated the state minister on assuming her new role, reflecting the strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries.

The CDA highlighted ongoing bilateral activities and the progress of strong people-to-people ties. He noted that Bangladeshi workers have a positive reputation in Singapore, and new opportunities will emerge in major infrastructure and land development projects, including the new terminal at Changi Airport.

The state minister emphasised the government's priority on expanding employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers, as well as vocational training. She also called for greater Singapore investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the ICT and digital infrastructure sectors. Singapore expressed interest in cooperation in digital governance and the ICT sector.

Both sides discussed potential investment opportunities in waste-to-energy and renewable energy sectors. The state minister also stressed the need to reduce the existing trade imbalance and expand exportable products. Singapore expressed interest in diversifying food import sources to enhance food security.

The state minister encouraged increased exports of jute, ceramic and leather products, and both sides highlighted the need to expand communication through exchange of trade delegations. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral activities and welcomed the possibility of the next foreign office consultation in Dhaka. At the conclusion of the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.