Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for increased support from Australia in energy security, skilled workforce migration, and economic partnership. The appeal was made during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle at Bangabhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the High Commissioner was visiting to deliver greetings from Australia's Governor-General, Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, along with a formal greeting letter. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his gratitude for the gesture.
During their discussions, the President emphasized the need for Australia's cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh's energy sources and facilitating LNG imports from Australia. He urged for more Australian investment in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, energy exploration, agro-processing, medical technology, logistics, and manufacturing.
Looking ahead to the Senior Officials' Meeting and the TIFA meeting in Canberra in November, the President expressed hope that these events would enhance trade and investment between the two nations. He also highlighted the opportunities for skilled professionals from Bangladesh to migrate to Australia, especially in information technology, engineering, and technical fields.
The President sought ongoing Australian support for scholarship and academic exchange programs, including the proposal to establish a University of Canberra campus in Dhaka. He also suggested expanding cooperation between Bangladesh's Technical Training Centres and Australia's TAFE institutions to develop skilled manpower, focusing on technical training programs like caregiver training.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir thanked Australia for its humanitarian assistance and urged continued cooperation for a sustainable solution. He expressed hope for a future partnership that emphasizes economic opportunities, skill development, and increased connectivity between the two countries.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Susan Ryle highlighted Bangladesh's banking reforms, foreign exchange reserves, tax reforms, and judicial independence as positive factors for Australian business investment. She also emphasized the potential for strengthening Bangladesh-Australia cooperation in areas of mutual interest.