BD eyes Central Asian mkts, job, UN support

Bangladesh is seeking to turn its diplomatic engagement with Kyrgyzstan into economic opportunities, skilled employment for its workers and stronger international support for its priorities, including its bids for two United Nations bodies and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

At the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Bishkek on Tuesday, the two countries agreed to expand trade and investment, explore opportunities in textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals and information technology, and promote employment and educational exchanges.

Bangladesh also sought Kyrgyzstan’s support for its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2031-2032 and the Human Rights Council for 2028-2030.

The discussions offer Dhaka an opportunity to diversify its economic and diplomatic partnerships beyond its traditional markets and partners, although the proposed cooperation will need to translate into concrete agreements, investment and market access to deliver tangible benefits.

Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Tursunkulov led their respective delegations at the consultations. Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Dr M Monirul Islam was also part of the Bangladeshi delegation.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between their foreign service academies and another on the 2026-2027 programme of action between their foreign ministries, intended to promote practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.

They also agreed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027 and to arrange high-level visits, including visits by the two foreign ministers, to strengthen political engagement.

The consultations identified textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals and information technology as potential areas for expanded cooperation, taking into account the strengths and opportunities of both economies.

Both sides agreed to encourage private-sector participation and exchanges of business delegations to explore commercial opportunities.

The discussions also highlighted the geostrategic position of the wider Eurasian region and its market of more than 180 million people as a potential basis for deeper economic engagement.

Kyrgyzstan could offer Bangladeshi businesses an additional point of engagement with Central Asian markets.

However, the commercial value of this opportunity will depend on demand, transport costs, trade arrangements, regulatory requirements and the ability of companies to establish reliable distribution networks.

Bangladesh’s garment and textile manufacturers could explore opportunities to expand exports and develop business partnerships, while pharmaceutical companies could assess demand for affordable medicines and the feasibility of meeting Kyrgyzstan’s registration and quality requirements.

Information technology and technology transfer were also included in the discussions, creating scope for cooperation beyond traditional merchandise trade.

The Kyrgyz side expressed optimism about expanding government-to-government, business-to-business and private-sector cooperation to promote trade, investment and commercial partnerships.

Both countries also reviewed possible agreements on trade and economic cooperation, investment promotion and protection, industrial cooperation, agriculture and collaboration between their respective apex chambers of commerce. They agreed to conclude these instruments at the earliest.

For Bangladesh, the priority will be to ensure that these proposed arrangements produce identifiable commercial benefits rather than remain diplomatic commitments.

Regular business contacts, information on market requirements and targeted engagement with prospective investors will be important to that effort.

Employment and labour mobility formed another significant part of the consultations, with both sides discussing opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in Kyrgyzstan.

The two delegations also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in education, including student exchanges, scholarships and higher education opportunities.

The Kyrgyz delegation highlighted opportunities for Bangladeshi students to study at medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan and stressed the need to establish regular and legal pathways for student mobility.

For Bangladesh, such exchanges could widen access to international education. However, prospective students will need clear information about accreditation, tuition fees, living costs, language requirements and recognition of qualifications in Bangladesh.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in sports, tourism, cultural exchanges and parliamentary friendship, alongside visa facilitation and arrangements for diplomatic and official passport holders.

The economic agenda was accompanied by a push for closer coordination in multilateral diplomacy.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, while Kyrgyzstan is set to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.

The consultations therefore provide a platform for both countries to coordinate on international issues and build political support for their respective priorities.

During a separate bilateral meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev following the consultations, Siam sought Bishkek’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2031-2032 and its bid for the Human Rights Council for 2028-2030.

Siam also sought Kyrgyzstan’s support on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.
Kulubaev thanked Bangladesh for supporting Kyrgyzstan’s election to the Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. He also invited his Bangladeshi counterpart to visit Kyrgyzstan at a mutually convenient time.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination and mutual support at international forums, including the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They also discussed cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Rohingya issue featured among Bangladesh’s requests for Kyrgyzstan’s support, underlining Dhaka’s continuing efforts to broaden international engagement in pursuit of a durable solution to the refugee crisis.

They agreed to hold the third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.