- Yunus urges Turkey to transfer industries and technology.
- Focus on job creation for Bangladesh’s youth and investment.
- Expanding Bangladesh-Turkey cooperation beyond garments.
- Turkey encouraged to invest in defense, healthcare, agriculture.
- Bangladesh’s exports to Turkey reached $581 million in 2023-24.
On January 9, 2025, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, urged Turkey to transfer industries and technology to Bangladesh. He called for increased investment and emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for Bangladesh’s youth. Yunus made these requests during a meeting with a Turkish delegation, led by Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Professor Dr. Omer Bulat, at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka.
Yunus, highlighting Bangladesh’s status as the world’s eighth-most populous country, explained that the interim government was actively working to provide jobs for the nation’s young population. He appealed to Turkey for support in this effort. “We seek your support to provide opportunities for our youth. This is my appeal to you for the benefit of our country,” Yunus stated, stressing the importance of external cooperation to tackle domestic challenges.
Professor Yunus further urged Turkey to set up factories in Bangladesh, emphasizing that the country’s young workforce is ready to drive industrial operations. “Use our youth to run your factories so that you can supply products to the region,” he added. The Chief Adviser also reflected on the potential for Bangladesh and Turkey to deepen their relationship, specifically in terms of mutual cooperation in key sectors.
He proposed that Turkey could be a major partner in developing the country’s defense industry, as well as technology. “You are leading in technology; you can build a defense industry here,” Yunus suggested. He also encouraged Turkey to expand its investments in other critical sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Yunus extended an invitation, stating, “Let’s begin a new chapter… We are ready for any of your needs.”
Turkish Minister of Trade, Professor Dr. Omer Bulat, expressed his support for expanding bilateral relations. He agreed that cooperation could be extended beyond the garment sector, mentioning sectors like defense, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery as potential areas for collaboration. “We can replace markets like India and collaborate on imports to Bangladesh. Economic and social cooperation can span all levels,” he emphasized.
Bulat also highlighted the importance of increasing academic exchanges between Bangladesh and Turkey. By fostering stronger ties between universities, both countries could build a foundation for mutual growth. This partnership could help enhance the workforce in both nations, particularly in sectors where technological advancement and skills are crucial.
Regarding trade, Yunus referred to previous interactions with Turkey, including his August 2024 phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yunus also reminded the delegation of the October 2024 visit of a Turkish delegation to Bangladesh, which had strengthened the bilateral relationship.
According to official data, in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Bangladesh’s exports to Turkey were approximately $581 million, while its imports from Turkey totaled $424 million. These figures demonstrate the growing trade relationship between the two nations. Additionally, Turkey has a notable presence in Bangladesh, with around 20 major Turkish companies engaged in various sectors, including textiles, garments, chemicals, engineering, construction, and energy.
The meeting between Bangladesh and Turkey represents an important milestone in their evolving bilateral relations. As both sides look to expand their cooperation beyond the garment industry, the focus is on enhancing trade, fostering technological growth, and providing employment opportunities for Bangladesh’s young workforce. Professor Yunus’s appeal to Turkey could pave the way for long-term investments and a new era of collaboration in key sectors such as defense, agriculture, and healthcare.
By seeking Turkey’s expertise and investments, Bangladesh aims to solidify its position as a major player in the regional economy. The relationship between the two countries is set to grow even stronger, with numerous areas for cooperation and future success.