Bangladesh on Tuesday called for the continuation of preferential market access and increased Swiss investment as both countries held discussions on strengthening their expanding economic partnership during bilateral political consultations in Dhaka.
The sixth round of the Bangladesh-Switzerland biennial political consultations took place at the State Guest House Padma, according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka.
The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Foreign Ministry Secretary (East and West) Ambassador Dr Md Nazrul Islam, while the Swiss side was headed by Ambassador Markus Leitner, Assistant Foreign Secretary and Head of the Asia Pacific Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides reviewed the full scope of long-standing bilateral relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in key priority areas. The discussions covered strengthening diplomatic engagement as well as boosting economic ties through increased investment and trade facilitation.
They also exchanged views on cooperation in skills development, climate action, healthcare, and private sector collaboration, particularly in emerging sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT).
Recognising economic cooperation as a central pillar of relations, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing business-friendly conditions and encouraging greater Swiss investment in Bangladesh amid rising bilateral trade and existing Swiss business presence in the country.
Bangladesh specifically stressed the importance of maintaining preferential market access while attracting more Swiss investment to support its development goals and economic growth trajectory.
The two sides also reiterated shared commitments to democracy, human rights, multilateral cooperation, and a rules-based international order. They exchanged views on regional and global developments and underscored the need for continued international attention to the Rohingya crisis, along with efforts towards a sustainable resolution.
Cooperation in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and international Geneva-based institutions, was also discussed.
Later, Swiss Ambassador Markus Leitner and members of the delegation paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.
