BD, Italy seek boost trade coop

Bangladesh and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations, with both sides expressing interest in expanding cooperation in trade, migration, culture, sports and industrial development.

The issues were discussed during a courtesy meeting between Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said.

According to officials, the meeting focused on enhancing the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy and exploring new areas of mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Italian ambassador said Italy is interested in importing more quality products from Bangladesh, including ready-made garments, food items, leather and leather goods.
Both sides also discussed ways to broaden bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The Italian ambassador encouraged Bangladesh to procure advanced technologies and industrial machinery from Italy to support the modernisation of the country’s manufacturing sector.

Cultural cooperation was also discussed at the meeting. Bangladesh invited renowned Italian football clubs to visit the country and participate in friendly matches as part of efforts to deepen people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges.

The two sides also discussed expanding ongoing cooperation on safe and regular migration management, with emphasis on facilitating legal migration channels between the two countries.

Officials said Bangladesh and Italy expressed optimism about taking bilateral relations to a new level through stronger collaboration in trade, defence, culture, sports and migration in the coming years.