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DHAKA, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Singapore today expressed hope for the early conclusion of the proposed bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and underscored the need for stronger business-to-business engagement to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The issue figured prominently during separate meetings of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, held with Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim in Singapore.

During the meetings, both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued here tonight. 

Shama highlighted Bangladesh's potential to diversify exports to Singapore beyond ready-made garments, particularly pharmaceuticals, ceramics, agro-products, jute and jute goods.

She also invited greater Singaporean investment in Bangladesh, particularly in logistics, supply chains, renewable energy, research and other emerging sectors, reaffirming the government's commitment to providing a business-friendly and predictable investment environment.

The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh's emphasis on skills development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and capacity building.

She proposed creating greater employment opportunities for Bangladeshi nurses in Singapore's elderly care and nursing sectors alongside cooperation in relevant training and skills development.

The two sides also exchanged views on climate change, water security, carbon credits, research cooperation, cybersecurity, digitalisation and cooperation in combating mosquito-borne diseases.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, Shama said the government had adopted a "Bangladesh First" policy with priorities encompassing stability, peace and democracy, economic diplomacy, employment generation and good governance.

During her meeting with Balakrishnan, the two sides discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including energy security and risks to energy supplies, shipping and global supply chains.

They also exchanged views on climate change, water security and illegal and irregular migration, with Shama stressing the importance of safe, regular and orderly migration.

The State Minister raised the Rohingya crisis during both meetings and sought Singapore's support for a sustainable solution and the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

She also highlighted Bangladesh's interest in reviving SAARC and becoming a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and sought Singapore's support in these endeavours.

Zhulkarnain underscored the importance of continued dialogue and engagement and referred to Singapore's humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas.

As part of her engagements in Singapore, Shama visited the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) and met Vincent Ng, PSA's Regional CEO for the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Trkiye, along with other senior officials.

She was briefed on PSA's global operations and its use of automation and advanced technologies to develop efficient, sustainable and smart ports.

Ng expressed PSA's interest in participating in Bangladesh's Bay Terminal Project, noting its potential to significantly enhance Chattogram Port's capacity as well as the country's trade and connectivity.

Welcoming the interest, Shama expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in port development, logistics, technology transfer and capacity building in line with Bangladesh's priorities for industrialisation, infrastructure development and connectivity.

Later, the State Minister visited the TuasOne Waste-to-Energy Plant, where Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) briefed her on the country's integrated approach to waste collection, treatment and energy recovery.

Appreciating Singapore's advanced waste management practices, Shama expressed Bangladesh's interest in strengthening cooperation on waste management, waste-to-energy technology, knowledge exchange and environmental sustainability.