Bangladesh, Singapore push for early conclusion of free trade agreement

Bangladesh and Singapore have expressed hope for an early conclusion of a proposed bilateral free trade agreement and called for stronger business-to-business ties to expand trade and investment.

State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam raised the issue in separate meetings in Singapore with foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan and minister of state for foreign affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said.

Shama highlighted opportunities to diversify exports beyond ready-made garments, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, agro-products and jute goods, and sought more Singaporean investment in logistics, renewable energy and research.

She also proposed more employment opportunities for Bangladeshi nurses in Singapore’s elderly care and nursing sectors.

The two sides discussed energy security, climate change, migration and the Rohingya crisis. Shama also sought Singapore’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.