Bangladesh, Spain discuss trade, investment and skilled migration

Bangladesh and Spain have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, sports diplomacy, tourism and skilled migration, with Dhaka reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Spain’s State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío in Madrid on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

Shama expressed condolences over the deadly train accident in Toledo, Spain, and conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved families and others affected by the tragedy.

During the meeting, both sides explored ways to expand trade and investment opportunities through business-to-business exchanges, export diversification and the organisation of expos.

The state minister highlighted the potential for greater cultural cooperation and called for the early conclusion of a proposed memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges.

They also discussed cooperation in sports diplomacy, the creative economy, arts and tourism.

Emphasising the government’s focus on promoting sports nationwide, Shama said sports could serve as an effective tool for strengthening people-to-people ties.

Recognising the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Spain and its role in building bridges between the two countries, she stressed the importance of establishing legal pathways for skilled migration.

She also encouraged Spain to join the European Union’s Talent Partnerships initiative for Bangladeshi workers.

Belío described the prospects for future engagement as promising and reaffirmed Spain’s readiness to support deeper bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Both sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of agreed bilateral instruments and ongoing negotiations on other agreements. They also expressed interest in holding the second Bangladesh-Spain Foreign Office Consultations at the earliest opportunity.

The two sides underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations and advance cooperation.