St John's:Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have highlighted the necessity for the swift implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations. This matter was a focal point during a meeting between Acting Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir and UAE State Minister for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, on November 2. The foreign ministry released a statement detailing the discussions.
Both ministers emphasized the significance of progressing with the proposed agreement as they addressed various bilateral and multilateral issues aimed at strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and the UAE. Discussions included facilitating employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in the UAE and ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshis already residing there.
Additionally, UAE investment in Bangladesh's port facilities and mutual support in multilateral forums were topics of discussion. The UAE also expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including exploring solutions for its root causes.