Fiji is keen to advance relations and explore areas of bilateral engagement with Bangladesh, particularly in the health sector, agriculture, education sector, people to people exchange and in climate resilience.
Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Sugar Industry, Mr Yogesh Karan expressed these remarks while receiving a courtesy call from the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Fiji, His Excellency Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, in his office earlier today.
In acknowledging Fiji-Bangladesh 50 years of bilateral relations, Mr Karan said the two countries’ relationship has progressively grown over the years and this is evident through the inauguration of the Bangladesh-Fiji Association (BFA) which was launched on 24 July 2022, with the important role of enhancing future bilateral engagements.
Whilst delving into the area of economic cooperation, the Permanent Secretary said Fiji is on its post-pandemic recovery, and is focused on increased collaboration with friends such as Bangladesh to enhance sectors of our economy.
Fiji, he added, is also looking to explore trade and investment opportunities in the IT industry, manufacturing, textile, clothing, ship building, tourism investment, renewable energy projects and construction industry.
Another important prospect discussed at the meeting were partnerships in micro, small and medium enterprises and rural development, an area with so much potential for growth and development.
For rural development, Mr Karan said that Fiji seeks Bangladesh’s support in rural cooperatives, especially the market connectivity models and Comilla Model.
He added that Fiji also engages in capacity building and exchange for government officials in areas of rural development needs to enhance the capabilities in various fields through institutions such as Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific (CIRDAP).
On climate change, Mr Karan emphasised that Fiji continues to play its part in calling for more global ambitious actions, promotion of sustainable economies and protection of natural resources.
In response, His Excellency Rahman congratulated Fiji, under the leadership of the Prime Minister and chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), for the successful hosting of the Forum Leaders meeting recently.
He added that Bangladesh aims to further explore areas of opportunities here in Fiji with a view to advancing shared priorities, particularly in the agriculture sector, trade and investment, peacebuilding and climate change.
