Bangladesh, Spain eye stronger cooperation in tourism, trade

Dhaka: Bangladesh and Spain have expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment as the two countries seek to deepen their growing bilateral relationship.

The issue came up during a courtesy meeting between Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel María Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on June 18, said a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen and diversify bilateral ties, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, education, technology, and skilled workforce development.

The Spanish ambassador praised Bangladesh’s continued economic progress, investment-friendly environment, and strategic geographical location. He expressed Spain’s interest in increasing investment and commercial engagement in Bangladesh, particularly in the manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to enhance collaboration between the private sectors of both countries, aiming to boost trade and business partnerships.

Humayun Kabir highlighted the steady growth of economic and development cooperation between Bangladesh and Spain and welcomed greater participation of Spanish investors in the country. He said Bangladesh has emerged as a stable and promising destination for foreign investment and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for investors.

Recognizing tourism as a sector with untapped potential, both sides underscored the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts and exploring opportunities for tourism exchanges between Bangladesh and Spain.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest and expressing optimism about elevating Bangladesh-Spain relations to a new level.