Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today called on France to boost investment in Bangladesh's potential sectors, while also seeking enhanced access for diverse Bangladeshi products in the French market. She made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation of French senators at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the French delegation included Senators Guillaume Chevrollier, Pierre-Alain Roiron, and Olivier Henno, who arrived in Dhaka for a three-day official visit. They were accompanied by French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc S©r©-Charlet and Christian Bec, Head of the Political Wing at the French Embassy in Dhaka.
The discussions between the two sides focused on Bangladesh-France relations, emphasizing the strengthening of cooperation between the democratic institutions of both countries. Shama welcomed the delegation and expressed Bangladesh's interest in deepening engagement with the French Senate through increased interaction within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
She pointed out Bangladesh's interest in diversifying its exports to France, specifically in sectors like pharmaceuticals, leather, ceramics, and jute products, while also encouraging more French investment in these areas. The state minister acknowledged France's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition and socio-economic development.
Shama also highlighted opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, education, culture, migration, and other mutual interests. Both sides agreed on measures to enhance technical and vocational skills development for the Bangladeshi workforce and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for legal and regular labor mobility.
Reaffirming Bangladesh's zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration and human trafficking, Shama expressed Dhaka's readiness to collaborate with Paris to prevent irregular migration. The discussions also covered regional and global issues, including climate change and women's empowerment, with both parties committed to working together in multilateral forums.
The exchange of parliamentary delegations was seen as a means to inject fresh momentum into Bangladesh-France relations, reinforcing the longstanding friendship and partnership between the two nations.