State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is placing strong emphasis on developing skilled manpower, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman giving special attention to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
She made the remarks during a meeting with Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for Manpower and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth.
Shama Obaed said Singapore, as a pioneer in skills development and capacity building, could support Bangladesh in these areas and proposed greater cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, she highlighted the strong and long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Singapore.
The state minister said the government of Bangladesh is committed to fairness, good governance and creating better opportunities for its people.
She also highlighted the important role of the large Bangladeshi community in Singapore.
Dinesh Vasu agreed that both countries share common interests in promoting skilled manpower.
He suggested that the relevant government agencies of Bangladesh and Singapore could establish closer contact and work together.
The Singaporean state minister also appreciated the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers to Singapore and mentioned that they are generally disciplined and responsible.
In response, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh is also focusing on language proficiency for Bangladeshi expatriates and encouraging them to learn a third language.
She informed that women constitute around half of Bangladesh’s population and have significant potential to work in the care and nursing sectors.
The state minister proposed that Singapore could consider providing relevant training for Bangladeshi nurses who could come to Singapore as caregivers for elderly people.
She also proposed cooperation between major public hospitals in Bangladesh and Singapore, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital, in areas of mutual interest.
The two sides also discussed the recruitment of migrant workers.
Dinesh Vasu expressed concern about the costs and fees involved in the recruitment process.
In response, Shama Obaed said the government of Bangladesh is determined to reduce recruitment costs and regulate and streamline recruiting agencies.
She proposed that Bangladesh and Singapore could explore ways to jointly monitor recruitment practices, including the role of intermediaries and travel agencies, to make the recruitment process more transparent, accountable and affordable.
Dinesh Vasu briefed Shama Obaed on Singapore’s initiatives to improve migrant workers’ accommodation.
He said the government of Singapore has introduced major initiatives to upgrade migrant worker dormitories and enforce stricter housing standards.
The Singaporean state minister added that their government continues to balance the demand for migrant workers with the availability of suitable accommodation.
The Bangladesh state minister appreciated these initiatives and expressed gratitude to the government of Singapore for its prompt action to arrange re-employment and compensation for around 200 Bangladeshi workers who recently lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of three companies in Singapore.
Dinesh Vasu encouraged migrant workers to report cases of unpaid wages to the Ministry of Manpower so that the authorities can take appropriate action and provide the necessary assistance and compensation.
He also appreciated the positive role of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore’s community programmes and celebrations, noting that their participation contributes to racial and social harmony in Singapore.
Shama Obaed invited Dinesh Vasu to visit Bangladesh. She said there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in engaging young people and building their skills.
She also suggested that a Singaporean team from the relevant agencies could visit Bangladesh to explore possible areas of cooperation.
Nodding positively to this proposal, Dinesh Vasu, in view of his additional portfolio as Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, expressed interest in exploring opportunities for further cooperation in these areas.
The Bangladesh state minister also sought Singapore’s support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
She said Bangladesh is giving greater importance to soft diplomacy, particularly cultural and sports diplomacy.
Shama Obaed informed that the government of Bangladesh has allocated a budget for the creative economy in the current fiscal year.
She also proposed establishing a youth centre in either Dhaka or Singapore to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and promote cooperation among young people.
The state minister further highlighted Bangladesh’s focus on joint ventures, investment and entrepreneurship.
She said Bangladesh is working to create a more investment-friendly environment and provide a hassle-free business environment through measures such as one-stop services. She also highlighted the importance of ensuring a secure and safe environment for investors.
In this connection, Dinesh Vasu mentioned the presence of Singaporean businesses in Bangladesh, referring to the Singapore-based restaurant chain named “Fish & Co”, which recently opened in Dhaka.
Shama Obaed also highlighted the importance of cultural and economic diplomacy and greater people-to-people engagement between Bangladesh and Singapore.
She said Bangladesh is keen to expand cooperation in these areas and create new opportunities for both countries.
Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of skilled manpower, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.