Highlighting Singapore as a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has invited more investment in priority sectors like energy, ICT, telecommunications, port and airport infrastructure, urban development and agro-processing.
The Foreign Secretary particularly drew the attention of Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and stressed on cooperation in the health sector in terms of capacity building, sharing of expertise and development of health infrastructure in Bangladesh catering to the growing demand for quality health services.
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Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday in Singapore, following the Foreign-Secretary level bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and Singapore.
The Foreign Secretary informed him that both sides had very productive discussions on a number of important issues during the consultations.
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He praised Singapore’s leadership for championing economic development, good governance and free market economy, standing as an example for the Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
The Foreign Secretary also appreciated Singapore for its excellent migrant workers’ regime and thanked the Singapore government for taking care of Bangladesh’s expatriates who are contributing to both the economies.
Noting the growing bilateral trade, Jashim Uddin highlighted the import-potential of Bangladeshi products particularly pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textile and footwear in the Singapore market and beyond.
He underlined the importance of concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, under negotiation, to boost bilateral trade.
Foreign Minister Balakrishnan heard updates in detail on the Rohingya crisis from Foreign Secretary and reiterated Singapore’s support to Bangladesh on this issue, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In regard to Bangladesh’s bid for Asean sectoral dialogue partner status, he reaffirmed Singapore’s support to Bangladesh saying that two friendly countries would continue to support each other on the regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin thanked the Foreign Minister and hoped that Singapore would play its role within the Asean platform to build consensus on this matter as a close friend of Bangladesh.
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The Foreign Secretary underlined the significance of regular interactions at the political level and exchange of high-level visits including Foreign Minister’s visit to Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral ties between two friendly countries.