Tallinn: Bangladesh and Estonia have pledged to deepen their bilateral relations by enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation, as discussed in the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Tallinn.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting was led by Ambassador Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Secretary Bilateral (East and West) of Bangladesh, and Mati Murd, Head of the Asia and Pacific Region at the Foreign Affairs of Estonia. Both parties emphasized the importance of increasing private-sector interaction and facilitating exchanges of business delegations to harness untapped opportunities for mutual benefit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the priority of recalibrating and expanding relations between the two nations. The discussions included proposals for reciprocal visits by Foreign Ministers and the potential formation of a Bangladesh-Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster regular interaction among parliamentarians.
Bangladesh showcased its global leadership in manufacturing sectors such as ready-made garments, jute and jute products, and the pharmaceutical industry. The delegation extended an invitation to Estonian investors to explore investment opportunities within Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones and suggested forming a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation. An exploratory mission for the Estonian private sector was also proposed.
The discussions extended to employment opportunities, with Bangladesh highlighting its skilled workforce, including IT professionals and healthcare workers. Enhanced cooperation under the EU’s Talent Partnership programme was discussed, focusing on sectors like ICT, caregiving, construction, and agriculture, with Estonia expressing optimism.
Both countries underscored ICT cooperation, digital governance, and business partnerships. Estonia expressed readiness to support Bangladesh in e-governance, and Estonian companies showed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s digital fields.
The dialogue also touched on educational and cultural exchanges, proposing scholarships, research collaborations, and exchanges of students and cultural troupes. They agreed to finalize bilateral instruments related to trade, cultural cooperation, tourism, and investment protection.
Estonia congratulated Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, on his election as President of the 81st UN General Assembly session, pledging full support during his tenure. The discussions included regional and global coordination, mutual support in international platforms, and cooperation on issues like Rohingya repatriation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time, setting the stage for continued engagement and cooperation between the two countries.