Bangladesh, Australia discuss expanding trade, investment and skills cooperation

Bangladesh and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, skills development and research, with both sides highlighting the need to deepen economic ties through institutional collaboration.

The discussion took place today (6 August) during a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at the Secretariat, according to a ministry press release.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan was also present at the meeting.

The two sides discussed enhancing Bangladesh’s trade negotiation capacity, expanding research collaboration, and strengthening cooperation in education, agriculture, livestock and investment.

The commerce minister said the government plans to introduce long-term institutional training programmes to strengthen the capacity of public officials in international trade, particularly in World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and trade negotiations.

He said the government is also working to establish a research and study centre that would serve as a regional hub for knowledge-sharing and capacity building in trade and policy.

Muktadir also stressed the importance of improving the skills of project directors to ensure the effective implementation of development projects, adding that specialised training programmes are being planned for them.

Responding to the proposal, High Commissioner Susan Ryle said Australia is interested in supporting long-term capacity-building initiatives.

She noted that while Australia had previously provided training on a limited scale, discussions are now underway to develop more structured and sustained programmes covering trade negotiations, the legal aspects of international agreements and policy development. She also said other development partners could be involved in the initiative.

The meeting also discussed Bangladesh’s post-LDC graduation trade prospects, its position in the global trading system and strategies for maintaining market access in the future. Both sides emphasised the importance of continuing regular dialogue on these issues.

Ryle said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Australia currently stands at around $5.5 billion and continues to grow.

She identified education, transnational education, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing and business investment as sectors with significant potential for further collaboration.

The high commissioner also said an Australian business delegation is planning to visit Bangladesh soon to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

The meeting further discussed the potential for exporting Australian premium beef to Bangladesh, including cooperation on halal certification, livestock traceability and modern livestock management practices.

Both sides expressed optimism about elevating Bangladesh-Australia relations to a more strategic, sustainable and diversified partnership, the press release said.