Bangladesh Seeks Closer Relations with Africa and Morocco
Bangladesh has articulated a strong interest in enhancing its diplomatic and economic relationships with African nations, particularly emphasizing its desire to elevate cooperation with Morocco. In a recent meeting held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, extended an invitation to Moroccan businesses to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh, underscoring the significant improvements in the country’s investment climate.
During the discussions on May 19, both parties agreed to foster collaboration across several sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, the textile and pharmaceutical industries, as well as information technology and artificial intelligence. Notably, they also deliberated on the potential of establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations. Shama Obaed highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening ties with African countries under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, recalling the historic visit of the late President Ziaur Rahman to Morocco in 1980 and expressing gratitude to the Moroccan government for honoring him by naming a road in Rabat after him.
Investment Opportunities and Agricultural Cooperation
Following her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Shama Obaed met with Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, where she reiterated the favorable investment opportunities available in Bangladesh. The Moroccan minister showed interest in facilitating a business delegation to visit Bangladesh by the end of 2026. Both leaders also recognized the importance of collaboration in agriculture, with Shama Obaed advocating for stronger government-to-government partnerships to secure a reliable supply of phosphate to Bangladesh. Furthermore, she expressed Bangladesh’s eagerness to expand the market for eco-friendly jute and jute products within Morocco.
On the same day, Shama Obaed engaged with Younes Sekkouri, Morocco’s Minister for Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, focusing on enhancing cooperation in employment generation, vocational training, and empowering women and youth, along with the development of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sadia Faizunnesa, and the Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdur Rouf Mondol, were also present during these pivotal meetings.
Shama Obaed is currently on an official visit to Morocco and is slated to attend the Second Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in Francophone Environments in Rabat on Wednesday.
As reported by jagonews24.com.
