State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Friday said Bangladesh wants visible Portuguese investments and expertise in the blue economy, along with exploring the potentials for offshore wind power generation.
“We have many untapped potentials for economic cooperation between our two countries. We believe that there are opportunities for further expanding two-way investments in each other’s countries,” said State Minister Alam.
He said while speaking at a seminar as the chief guest. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized the seminar titled “Bangladesh-Portugal Relations: Quest for Deeper Bilateral Cooperation “as part of its Eminent Person Lecture Series (EPLS).
Dr Francisco André, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Republic of Portugal, attended the seminar as a guest speaker and Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Secretary (West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was present as a discussant.
BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain chaired the programme and its Director General Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin delivered the welcome note.
Stating that Bangladeshis face certain constraints with regard to visas, especially for their family members, in the absence of any Portuguese diplomatic or consular mission in Bangladesh, he said, “We are assured by Dr. André that his administration will work towards finding a pragmatic solution to the issue in the near future. This will indeed have a huge qualitative difference in the substance of our bilateral ties.”
“It is reassuring for us that Portugal is favourably disposed to Bangladesh’s obtaining the GSP+ facility in the EU market beyond 2029. I am certain that Portugal will also play a catalytic role over time in realizing our efforts to take our engagements with the EU towards a more strategic direction,” said the State Minister.
He urged Portugal to maintain its voice and support for humanitarian assistance, justice and accountability, and safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya.
Bangladesh thanked Portugal for its forward-leaning approach to climate action, including for its support for the ‘loss and damage’ agenda.
“We look forward to working with Portugal on conserving and protecting our oceans from climate change impacts. We have taken due note of Portugal’s desire to serve the cause of international peace and security as an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2027-28,” he said.
The State Minister laid emphasis on continued investment in people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
