Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Adviser of Bangladesh, held a meeting with Antonio Alessandro, the Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. The meeting took place on Wednesday, September 24, at the Trade Adviser’s office in the Secretariat.

During the discussions, both sides focused on exploring avenues to deepen and broaden economic relations. The dialogue centered on identifying opportunities for Italian investors and businesses in Bangladesh, as well as potential areas where Bangladesh could benefit from technological cooperation and expertise transfer from Italy.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin expressed Bangladesh’s keen interest in strengthening commercial ties with Italy. He highlighted that the investment climate in Bangladesh is more favorable than ever and assured that the Ministry of Commerce is committed to facilitating Italian investors. He emphasized that the government is ready to provide all necessary support to encourage Italian participation in Bangladesh’s growing industrial and commercial sectors.

Ambassador Antonio Alessandro reiterated Italy’s willingness to collaborate with Bangladesh in areas of trade and investment. He stressed that Italy is particularly interested in promoting technology transfer and enhancing cooperation in medium and small-scale industries. Both officials agreed that such collaboration could significantly contribute to industrial growth and innovation in Bangladesh while providing Italian companies with new business opportunities.

The meeting also explored potential strategies to improve the overall investment environment, including regulatory support, incentives for foreign investors, and streamlined processes to facilitate trade. Both sides underscored the importance of a stable and predictable business environment in attracting long-term investment.

Officials noted that Bangladesh has made significant strides in improving its ease of doing business, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, and renewable energy. Italy’s expertise and investment could complement these efforts, creating mutually beneficial economic outcomes for both nations. The discussion included the potential for joint ventures, collaborative research and development initiatives, and knowledge sharing to boost productivity and competitiveness.

The Trade Adviser also mentioned that Bangladesh is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to South Asia for Italian businesses, offering access to regional markets and a skilled workforce. He encouraged Italian companies to explore sectors such as textiles, light engineering, information technology, and agro-processing, highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to improving infrastructure and investment facilitation.

Ambassador Alessandro expressed optimism about expanding bilateral economic ties and emphasized Italy’s readiness to support initiatives that foster sustainable industrial growth in Bangladesh. He also noted that medium and small-scale industries present significant opportunities for collaboration, with potential for technology transfer, capacity building, and employment generation.

The meeting was attended by Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce, and Federico Jamparelli, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy. Both sides concluded the discussion with a commitment to maintain regular dialogue and follow-up engagements to ensure effective implementation of joint initiatives.

The officials agreed that stronger economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy could serve as a model for bilateral cooperation, emphasizing transparency, mutual benefit, and sustainable growth. They underscored that collaboration in trade and investment would not only strengthen economic ties but also enhance cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing Bangladesh’s trade and investment relationships with European partners. Both parties expressed confidence that focused efforts and continued cooperation would lead to long-term strategic partnerships, greater economic integration, and mutually beneficial development outcomes.