Dhaka, London keen to deepen trade ties
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Dhaka and London have agreed to explore new avenues to strengthen trade, investment and sectoral cooperation following a series of high-level meetings held in London.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Monday met UK Minister of State for Trade Chris Bryant in London to discuss ways to deepen the existing economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
During the bilateral meeting, both sides explored measures to cement trade and business ties, including unlocking investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s blue economy sector, promoting the global visibility of the “Made in Bangladesh” brand, safeguarding investor interests and strengthening cooperation in the education sector.
The discussions also touched on expanding collaboration in multilateral platforms.
Officials from both countries agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Cameroon later this month under the framework of the World Trade Organization.
In another engagement, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rosie Winterton called on the Bangladeshi delegation at the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation in the aviation sector, including initiatives aimed at positioning Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub.
The Bangladeshi delegation also held two separate meetings related to the development of the country’s aviation sector, underscoring Dhaka’s growing interest in expanding connectivity and aviation infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Dapo Akande, the United Kingdom’s candidate for a judgeship at the International Court of Justice for the 2027-2036 term, met the Bangladeshi leaders and presented his candidature.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom in multilateral forums and intergovernmental elections.
They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration in international legal and diplomatic arenas in the coming years.
