Bangladesh seeks early conclusion of FTA with Singapore
Applauding the initiative for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said FTA would be mutually beneficial by further enhancing the bilateral trade and investment, reports UNB.
"Singapore is an important bilateral trade and investment partner of Bangladesh," he said during a telephone conversation with his Singapore counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan.
The two foreign ministers agreed to accelerate the process for concluding the FTA early.
Abdul Momen encouraged more Singaporean investor to invest in power, telecommunication, renewable energy and power transmission sectors in Bangladesh taking advantage of a very friendly investment regime in the country.
While thanking the government of Singapore for providing humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh, Abdul Momen sought Singapore’s and ASEAN’s proactive role in bringing a sustainable and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis by ensuring their urgent return to their homeland in Myanmar.
Vivian Balakrishnan assured that Singapore would remain engaged on the issue and of Singapore’s continued support for a durable solution to the crisis.
During the conversation, Abdul Momen expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two friendly countries, mentioning that Bangladesh considers Singapore as a role model of economic development.
The two foreign ministers agreed on the necessity of exploring synergies in new areas of cooperation for expanded bilateral engagement.
Abdul Momen noted with satisfaction Singapore government’s continuous support to the Bangladeshi expatriate workers during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.
He suggested that Singapore might consider employing more skilled worker from Bangladesh especially in their health and other service sectors.
Praising Balakrishnan’s previous role as Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, Abdul Momen shared the rapid digital transformation of the economy and society in Bangladesh under the vision of prime minister Sheikh Hasina for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’.
Abdul Momen sought Singaporean cooperation in the area of ICT and digitization, to which Vivian Balakrishnan responded very positively and assured of full support and assistance.
Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2022, both the ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner in both the countries.
Abdul Momen invited his Singaporean counterpart to visit Bangladesh. Vivian Balakrishnan also extended an invitation to Abdul Momen for an official visit to Singapore to kick-start the celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The two ministers also exchanged greetings of the New Year and discussed the pandemic situation in their respective countries.