Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, employment, education and skills development during three meetings held in Bishkek on 14 October on the sidelines of the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam met Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Mr Meder Tumanov to discuss trade and investment opportunities, particularly in cotton, textiles, ready-made garments and pharmaceuticals. Both sides emphasised greater private-sector engagement, business delegations, participation in exhibitions and utilisation of Generalised System of Preferences facilities.
In a meeting with First Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Security and Migration Mr Arlen Aliyasov, they explored employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital services, agriculture and teaching.
During talks with Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation Ms Gulzat Isamatova, both sides discussed scholarships, student exchanges, joint research, publications and visa facilitation. The Kyrgyz Minister indicated plans to increase scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
The Bangladesh delegation included Ambassador to Tashkent Dr. M. Monirul Islam and Director General for East Europe and CIS S. M. Mahbubul Alam.
Why it matters
The meetings establish concrete pathways for expanding trade, labor mobility, and educational exchanges between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan.