Dhaka for Singapore’s Investment to Boost Growth in Key Sectors

Dhaka has urged Singapore to expand investment in key sectors of Bangladesh’s economy, including energy, ICT, telecommunications, ports, airport infrastructure, urban development, and agro-processing, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin made the call during a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday in Singapore, following the Foreign Secretary-level bilateral consultations between the two nations.

Describing Singapore as a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI), Jashim Uddin emphasised the importance of enhanced cooperation in the health sector, including capacity building, infrastructure development, and knowledge sharing to meet Bangladesh’s growing demand for quality healthcare.

He also praised Singapore’s leadership in promoting good governance, economic growth, and a free-market economy—qualities that Bangladesh aspires to emulate. The Foreign Secretary further commended Singapore’s fair treatment of Bangladeshi expatriate workers, whose contributions benefit both economies.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s rising exports, he stressed the potential of Bangladeshi products—such as pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textiles, and footwear—in the Singaporean and broader regional markets. He also underscored the importance of concluding the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to boost trade between the two countries.

The Rohingya crisis also featured in the discussions, with Dr Balakrishnan reiterating Singapore’s continued support to Bangladesh’s efforts in addressing the humanitarian situation.

On Bangladesh’s aspiration to gain ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, the Singaporean Foreign Minister assured Dhaka of continued support, pledging to work together on regional and global platforms.

Jashim Uddin concluded by calling for increased high-level exchanges and regular political dialogue to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.