United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has emphasised enhanced collaboration between Bangladesh’s Technical Training Centers (TTCs) and Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in skill development and language training for Bangladeshi youths by sending Australian instructors to Bangladesh. He thanked the Australian government for relocating the visa processing centre in Dhaka when Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on him at the Foreign Ministry recently. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including trade, investment promotion, energy cooperation, migration, visa facilitation, support for technical and vocational training. The foreign secretary conveyed Bangladesh’s growing demand for Australian commodities and shared that Australia could explore that market further. India slams U.S. tariffs over Russian oil imports as 'unfair, unjustified' He also requested the Australian envoy to award more scholarships to Bangladeshi students, and to promote regular migration from Bangladesh to Australia. In response, the Australian envoy expressed satisfaction over the signing of SOP to address illegal migration between Bangladesh and Australia, according to the ministry. She conveyed Australia’s readiness to forge enhanced cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. Praising Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, the envoy conveyed her country's willingness for continued engagement with Bangladesh in regional and multilateral forums. She also assured of Australia’s active support for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

Bangladesh and Australia have immense potential to enhance bilateral trade by further deepening collaboration and cooperation, said Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA. Trade between the two countries had grown considerably over the past years and more opportunities still lie ahead that could benefit both sides if reaped together, he said. He came up with the observations during a meeting with Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Australian government, in Dhaka on May 15. Brendan Hodgson, Director, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives Section at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Megan Jones, Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean and South Asia RegionalAustralian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; and Louisa Bochner, Adviser, office of the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs ; Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh were also present at the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, State Minister for the ICT Division, Government of Bangladesh; Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP, Deputy Minister for Education, Government of Bangladesh; and Russell T. Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS). They had discussions about different issues, including potential areas of expanding trade and investment between Australia and Bangladesh. Issues relevant to Bangladesh’s RMG industry including its prospects and preparedness to continue the growth momentum were discussed during the meeting. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan briefed the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs about the huge progress made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry in terms of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and workers' rights and welfare. He said Bangladesh was interested in importing more cotton and wool from Australia to meet the growing demand of the RMG and textile industry. The BGMEA President informed the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs about about the BGMEA’s initiative to organize the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Australia on 18th July 2023 and called on him to expend support in organizing the event. He also sought cooperation from Australia in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through collaboration with leading Australian universities and fashion institutes. He expressed thanks to the Australian government for its decision to continue duty-free market access for Bangladesh. “It would support Bangladesh in maintaining the momentum of its economic growth after the LDC graduation,” Faruque Hassan added.  

Bangladesh and Australia want to expand bilateral relations with more trade, investment and cooperation in human resource development.