- Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin met Singapore’s Foreign Minister on April 14, 2025.
- Bangladesh seeks increased Singaporean investment in energy, ICT, and infrastructure.
- Discussions emphasized cooperation in health sector capacity building and infrastructure development.
- Both nations aim to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2026.
- Singapore reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner bid.
On April 14, 2025, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin met Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore. They discussed boosting bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and healthcare.
Jashim Uddin emphasized Singapore’s key role as a major source of FDI for Bangladesh. He invited more investment in sectors like energy, ICT, telecommunications, infrastructure, urban development, and agro-processing, all vital for Bangladesh’s growth.
Strengthening Ties: Future Cooperation
The Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of cooperation in healthcare. He pointed out the need for capacity building, expertise sharing, and infrastructure development. Moreover, he expressed interest in learning from Singapore’s advanced healthcare system.
In addition, both countries recognized the progress in trade talks and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing the FTA by 2026, which will help boost economic engagement and trade volume.
Furthermore, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin highlighted the potential of Bangladeshi products in the Singaporean market. These include pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textiles, and footwear. He encouraged Singapore to consider Bangladesh as a reliable source for these competitive items.
Support for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership
During the meeting, Singapore reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner. In response, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin expressed his gratitude and hoped that Singapore would play a key role in building ASEAN consensus.
Furthermore, Jashim Uddin provided an update on the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Singapore reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s efforts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis. Bangladesh continues to host many Rohingya refugees and seeks global help.
Additionally, both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. They agreed to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, investment, healthcare, and regional partnerships. With the Free Trade Agreement set for finalization by 2026, both countries look forward to deepening their ties.
Ultimately, the meeting reflected a shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous future. Both countries are committed to increasing collaboration and supporting each other’s ambitions on the global stage.