Bangladesh, Spain Agree to Boost Trade, Investment and Skilled Recruitment

Bangladesh and Spain have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, skilled worker recruitment, tourism and cultural exchange. Both sides also agreed to expedite the finalisation of agreements under negotiation to deepen relations between the two countries.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío in Madrid on Wednesday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the information in a press release.

The two ministers discussed opportunities to expand trade and investment between the countries. They emphasised increasing business-to-business contacts, diversifying export products and organising trade fairs. Cooperation in the creative economy, arts, sports and tourism also featured in the discussions.

Shama Obaed called for the swift finalisation of the proposed memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Spain. She said sports could play an effective role in bringing the peoples of the two countries closer and strengthening bilateral relations.

Highlighting the contributions of Bangladeshis living in Spain, the state minister said they served as an important bridge between the two countries. She also stressed expanding opportunities for safe, orderly and regular migration for skilled Bangladeshi workers. In this regard, she urged Spain to join the European Union’s Talent Partnerships initiative.

At the meeting, she reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and migrant smuggling. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring regular and responsible labour migration.

In response, Diego Martínez Belío reiterated Spain’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in various areas of mutual interest. He also expressed Spain’s support for initiatives to strengthen economic and cultural ties and people-to-people contacts.

Both sides agreed to expedite the finalisation of bilateral agreements under negotiation and advance discussions on other proposed agreements. They also expressed interest in holding the second round of Bangladesh-Spain Foreign Office Consultations as soon as possible to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, Shama Obaed expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Wednesday’s train accident in Toledo, Spain. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and those affected by the accident.