Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh and Singapore have reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2026, marking a significant step forward in their expanding economic and diplomatic partnership. The pledge was made during the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Singapore on Monday, according to a statement released by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The FOC served as a comprehensive platform for reviewing and deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, while Permanent Secretary Luke Goh headed the Singaporean side.
During the consultations, both countries engaged in detailed discussions on trade and investment, energy, digital economy, connectivity, healthcare, agriculture, waste management, tourism, and human resource development. They also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, including climate change, migration, and developments in South and Southeast Asia. A key highlight of the meeting was the ongoing negotiations for the Bangladesh-Singapore FTA, which featured prominently in the talks. Foreign Secretary Uddin underscored Bangladesh’s position as a reliable exporter of high-quality and competitively priced products, including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, ceramics, jute products, and footwear. He encouraged Singapore to boost business engagement in these sectors to ensure a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
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Recognizing Singapore as one of Bangladesh’s leading foreign investors, Uddin invited further investment from Singapore, especially in the energy sector and the country’s special Economic Zones. Discussions also explored future collaboration in agricultural technology, agri-logistics, contract farming, and the development of tourism infrastructure. The two sides agreed to work towards the conclusion of several key agreements alongside the FTA. These include a customs cooperation agreement, a revised protocol on the avoidance of double taxation, a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation.
Acknowledging the valuable contributions of Bangladeshi nationals employed in Singapore, both nations emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in human resource development. This includes joint initiatives for skills training and capacity building. Foreign Secretary Uddin also sought Singapore’s support for the development of a Waste-to-Energy Plant, aimed at bolstering Bangladesh’s sustainable energy capabilities. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support in its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. The country also conveyed its interest in joining the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), further signaling its commitment to regional economic integration.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Secretary Uddin extended an invitation to his Singaporean counterpart to visit Bangladesh for the next round of foreign office consultations, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the Bangladeshi delegation. As both countries continue to build on their strategic partnership, the commitment to finalize the FTA by 2026 reflects a shared vision for enhanced economic cooperation and regional connectivity.
