The Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, today concluded her mission to Asia on growth diplomacy in Bangladesh.
The Undersecretary met with representatives of the Italian system and the local Italian community to explore business opportunities for Italian companies. During a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Touhid Hossain, the Undersecretary remarked that “a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh can undoubtedly contribute to peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. We are very proud of the crucial role played by Italian companies in the establishment and development of Bangladesh’s textile industry, which is now the second largest in the world. We therefore hope to strengthen our partnership in traditional sectors and to deepen collaboration in high-value sectors, such as the green transition.”
In talks with the Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Asif Nazrul, Tripodi reiterated the Italian government’s priority on legal migration and its firm commitment to combating all forms of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. She also expressed appreciation for the progress made in negotiations for the Bilateral Agreement on Migration and Mobility. “Migrants are victims of criminal organisations that clearly operate in both our countries,” the Undersecretary stated, expressing strong hope that the Bangladeshi government will direct the relevant authorities towards even closer coordination with their Italian counterparts. The mission in Dhaka concluded with a courtesy visit to Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
