BD seeks deeper ties in trade with Singapore
Bangladesh is seeking to deepen economic engagement with Singapore, particularly in trade, investment, port and logistics operations, technology and manpower.
With the matters in schedule, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam begins a four day official visit to the city state, Foreign Ministry said.
The visit, from 9 to 12 August, is the first official overseas visit by a member of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Cabinet since the new government assumed office in February, giving it added significance as Dhaka looks to expand economic and commercial ties with Singapore.
During the visit, Shama Obaed is scheduled to meet Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zulkarnian Bin Abdul Rahim and Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.
The State Minister is also expected to visit PSA International, one of the world’s leading port operators, and the TuasOne Waste to Energy Plant, offering Bangladesh an opportunity to explore Singaporean expertise in port management, logistics, waste management and sustainable urban infrastructure.
For Dhaka, port and logistics cooperation is likely to be an important component of the engagement. Bangladesh is seeking to improve the efficiency and capacity of its trade infrastructure as it aims to expand exports, attract foreign investment and strengthen its position as a regional trading and connectivity hub.
Singapore, with its globally integrated port, logistics and financial services sectors, offers potential areas of cooperation in port operations, supply chain management, maritime services and technology.
Greater engagement with Singaporean companies could also help Bangladesh develop expertise and investment partnerships in infrastructure and logistics.
Trade and investment are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Bangladesh is looking for greater Singaporean investment and business-to-business engagement, particularly as it seeks to diversify its economy and attract investment in sectors beyond traditional manufacturing.
The two countries could also explore opportunities to expand cooperation in digital technology, energy efficiency, waste management and other areas linked to sustainable development.
Manpower is another important pillar of the relationship. Singapore is home to around 150,000 Bangladeshi nationals, many of whom contribute to Bangladesh’s economy through remittances.
Dhaka is expected to place emphasis on protecting their interests while exploring ways to expand legitimate employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
The State Minister’s visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to turn its relations with key Asian economies into stronger commercial partnerships.
Rather than limiting bilateral engagement to diplomatic exchanges, Dhaka wants greater participation by businesses and institutions on both sides.
The visit is therefore expected to provide fresh momentum to Bangladesh Singapore relations, with the focus extending from traditional diplomacy to trade, investment, logistics, manpower, technology and sustainable development.
Shama Obaed is also expected to attend the Remitters Recognition 2026 programme in Singapore, organised by Daily Bonik Barta, as Chief Guest.
The programme will recognise the contribution of Bangladeshi expatriates and remittance earners to the national economy.
For Bangladesh, stronger engagement with Singapore could help widen access to investment, technology and international logistics networks while creating new avenues for trade and employment.
