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Bangladesh and Egypt Agree to Establish Business Forum
Bangladesh and Egypt have agreed to create a business forum to boost trade and commerce by promoting greater private sector engagement between the two countries.
The decision was made during the second Bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), held at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo on Thursday. The talks covered various aspects of bilateral relations, including political and economic cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture, defense, education, and people-to-people connectivity.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheen led their respective delegations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties based on long-standing friendship and shared goals.
The consultations also focused on increasing cooperation in agriculture, food security, and educational exchanges, including expanding scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students at Al Azhar University. The two sides agreed on enhancing tourism, cultural programs, and easing visa procedures to improve people-to-people connections.
Discussions included a review of existing agreements and the potential for new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate future cooperation. Both countries expressed solidarity with Palestine, supporting its right to self-determination and emphasizing regional peace.
The Rohingya crisis was also discussed, with both sides underscoring the need for sustainable solutions and global support for a resolution. Foreign Secretary Uddin highlighted the upcoming international conference on Rohingya.
The two countries also agreed to collaborate in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and to address climate change challenges jointly. It was decided that the third round of Bilateral Consultations would take place in Dhaka in 2026.
Later, the Foreign Secretary met with Mr. Hani Mahmoud, Vice President of the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, where both sides emphasized finalizing an MOU between the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Egyptian Chamber. They also agreed to hold virtual meetings to explore ways to enhance trade between the two nations.