Highlighting Singapore as a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin invited more investment in priority sectors such as energy, ICT, telecommunications, port and airport infrastructure, urban development, and agro-processing.
The foreign secretary particularly drew the attention of Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and emphasized cooperation in the health sector, including capacity building, sharing of expertise, and the development of health infrastructure in Bangladesh to meet the growing demand for quality health services.
The foreign secretary met Balakrishnan on Monday in Singapore, following the foreign secretary-level bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and Singapore.
Jashim informed the minister that both sides had very productive discussions on a number of important issues during the consultations.
He praised Singapore’s leadership for championing economic development, good governance, and a free market economy, serving as an example for Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
The foreign secretary also appreciated Singapore for its excellent migrant workers’ regime and thanked the Singaporean government for taking care of Bangladeshi expatriates who are contributing to both economies.
Noting the growing bilateral trade, Jashim highlighted the export potential of Bangladeshi products, particularly pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textiles, and footwear in the Singaporean market and beyond.
He underlined the importance of concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), currently under negotiation, to further boost bilateral trade.
Foreign Minister Balakrishnan was briefed in detail on the Rohingya crisis by the foreign secretary and reiterated Singapore’s support to Bangladesh on this issue, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regarding Bangladesh’s bid for Asean sectoral dialogue partner status, he reaffirmed Singapore’s support, stating that the two friendly countries would continue to support each other on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Jashim thanked the foreign minister and expressed hope that Singapore would play its role within the Asean platform to build consensus on this matter as a close friend of Bangladesh.
He also underlined the significance of regular interactions at the political level and the exchange of high-level visits, including the foreign minister’s visit to Bangladesh, to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two friendly countries.
