Lithuania can be gateway for BD products to EU: envoy

She made the remarks during a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a foreign ministry press release.

Referring to Lithuania's upcoming EU presidency in June-July 2027, the ambassador said her country could help facilitate access to the wider EU market for Bangladeshi products that require registration, including pharmaceuticals, as well as services.

During the meeting, Shama stressed the need to further strengthen Bangladesh-Lithuania relations, particularly through increased trade, investment and economic cooperation.

She urged Lithuania to increase imports of Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable jute and jute products, leather goods, agro-products, furniture, plastic goods and ships.

Highlighting Bangladesh's investment potential, the state minister invited Lithuanian investors to explore opportunities in apparel, leather, light engineering, agro-processing, petroleum, renewable energy, information technology and waste management.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in information technology, financial technology (FinTech), e-governance, cybersecurity, e-registration, e-transportation, transport digitisation, artificial intelligence and high-tech medical device systems.

The Lithuanian ambassador highlighted her country's expertise and potential in these areas and expressed interest in expanding cooperation, collaboration and partnerships with Bangladesh.

Recalling that Bangladesh and Lithuania established diplomatic relations in 1992, Shama called for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across all possible sectors.

The discussions also covered education, demographic dividend, manpower and employment opportunities, human mobility and migration, visa facilitation, women's empowerment, sports and culture, as well as deeper engagement in international organisations.

Both sides underscored the importance of high-level visits, business delegation exchanges, cooperation between business chambers, knowledge and technology sharing, youth and student exchanges, cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation and broader people-to-people contacts.

The ambassador also stressed the role of the EU-Bangladesh Business Forum and the importance of compliance with existing frameworks for business and legal and regular migration.

She also highlighted the potential of Lithuania's regional connectivity in the Baltic region and beyond to unlock untapped opportunities and deepen economic ties with Bangladesh.