Bangladesh Seeks Italy’s Cooperation in Employment and Language Training

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has stressed the need to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy and expand cooperation in various areas, including the economy, employment, skilled human resource development, language education and urban management.

The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Local Government Minister’s office on Monday. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present. During the meeting, the minister said relations between Bangladesh and Italy are based on longstanding friendship and mutual ties, and new areas of cooperation should be identified to further advance the relationship.

He said there are opportunities for the two countries to work together not only to strengthen economic relations but also to create employment and develop skilled human resources. He also stressed the importance of learning a third language to increase the export of skilled workers and sought Italy’s cooperation in conducting Italian language education programmes.

The meeting also discussed creating opportunities to train instructors in Bangladesh and provide language training for skilled workers interested in employment in Italy. During the meeting, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro praised the important role played by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives in Bangladesh’s development activities. He also expressed his country’s interest in further expanding Bangladesh-Italy cooperation.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said around 250,000 Bangladeshis live in Italy. He said discussions were held on securing Italy’s cooperation to increase the legal export of workers through skills development and Italian language training. He added that initiatives would also be taken to increase awareness and prevent people from travelling abroad through illegal routes by involving local administrations and elected representatives.

He further said discussions were held on joint efforts between the City of Milan and Khulna City Corporation to ensure food security and prevent food waste. There were also positive discussions on training Bangladeshi architects and exchanging experience, as well as increasing trade, remittances and employment between the two countries.

The meeting placed emphasis on further strengthening Bangladesh-Italy economic and development cooperation and deepening people-to-people relations between the two countries. Secretary of the Local Government Division Md. Shahidul Hasan, Secretary of the Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Dr. Rafiqul E Mohamed, and senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.