Acting High Commissioner of Australia Ms. Nardia Simpson called on Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, this morning. Both parties exchanged greetings and discussed multiple issues.
The Foreign Minister highlighted increasing bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and Australia. He mentioned that each year Bangladesh imports cotton worth USD 4 billion and she may import good quality cotton from Australia. Bangladesh is developing 100 Special Economic Zones which may be a good destination for Australian investment. Dr. Mahmud said that a large number of people from Bangladesh, especially from Chattagram are now living in Australia and are contributing to the economy of both countries. He proposed that a business delegation from Australia may visit Bangladesh which may include investors from IT, Energy, Leather, Small Industry, and Agriculture sectors. As Bangladesh imports about 6 million MT of wheat every year, Australia may consider exporting this item to Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister also discussed sustainable and renewable energy production, technology transfer, and free and open Indo-Pacific region. He sought Australia’s support in putting the Rohingya issue alive on international platform with a view to the ultimate repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals sheltered in Bangladesh.
Australian Acting High Commissioner Ms. Nardia thanked the Foreign Minister for sharing all his ideas to promote the bilateral ties. She described the employment opportunities in Australia and proposed an exchange of skilled manpower between both countries. She informed me that Bangladesh can import Australian good quality wool to diversify its export basket in the RMG sector. She mentioned about existing TIFA agreement between Bangladesh and Australia and the opportunities of large Australian companies to invest in Bangladesh under this framework. She informed me that the next Joint Working Group meeting under TIFA is scheduled to take place in Canberra in April-May this year.
She also appreciated the good quality mangoes produced in Bangladesh and proposed mango exporting to Australia. Ms. Nardia acknowledged the generosity of the Bangladesh government in supporting the Rohingya refugees. She reiterated Australia’s commitment to continue the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas and support Bangladesh in their repatriation endeavor.