Bangladesh and Sweden explored stronger cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy and green technology, while discussing climate action, the EU FTA, cybersecurity, and continued support for Rohingya repatriation.
Bangladesh and Sweden have discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable development with an emphasis on renewable energy, green technology and innovation-led economic growth.
The discussions took place during a courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Daniel Ulvén, Director and Head of the Department for Asia, the Pacific and Latin America at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday. The ministry briefed the media on Thursday.
The state minister called for increased Swedish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals and engineering sectors, saying these are key drivers of the country’s sustainable development.
She described Sweden as one of Bangladesh’s most trusted and long-standing development partners, acknowledging its continued support for socio-economic development, gender equality and climate resilience.
She also outlined Bangladesh’s ongoing initiatives to promote the creative economy as well as policy measures aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal framework.
Both sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, telecommunications, technology, cybersecurity, skills development, human rights, people-to-people contacts, climate action and peace and security.
They also discussed the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union, noting that such an agreement could further strengthen trade relations and improve market access.
Renewable energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals and engineering were identified as priority areas for long-term Swedish investment and partnership.
Daniel Ulvén congratulated the state minister on her appointment and reiterated Sweden’s commitment to its development partnership with Bangladesh.
The Rohingya crisis was also discussed. The state minister urged stronger Swedish support for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar, stressing the need for a durable international solution.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening international peace, stability and multilateral cooperation.
