Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has sought Portugal’s support in securing European Union's (EU’s) GSP+ trade preferences for Bangladesh beyond 2029.
He made the request when new Ambassador-designate of Portugal to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi) Joao Ribeiro de Almeida met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate assured his government’s support in this regard and proposed direct maritime connectivity between Chattogram Port of Bangladesh and Leixoes Port of Portugal for further promoting bilateral trade between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister conveyed that Bangladesh government plans to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources and encouraged Portuguese investment and expertise in renewable energy sector, particularly generation of electricity from solar, wind and waves.
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The Portuese Ambassador-designate informed that major share of their electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly solar and wind, and it would reach the target of 80% by 2030.
He expressed Portugal’s interest in exploring collaboration with Bangladesh in renewable energy sector.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate highly praised the Bangladesh community living in Portugal and acknowledged their active contribution to their economy.
The Foreign Minister encouraged opening of a full-fledged diplomatic mission of Portugal in Dhaka to further promote businesses and people-to-people connectivity.
He further suggested strengthening of ties by concluding an instrument on migration and mobility between the two governments.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate agreed to explore opening a consulate in Dhaka at an early date and start discussion on a bilateral migration and mobility instrument to facilitate skilled migration from Bangladesh to Portugal.