Bangladesh and Finland reaffirm commitment to deeper bilateral engagement
Dr Islam also congratulated the Finish Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration.
Non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh, Kimmo Lähdevirta, paid a courtesy call on Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Md Nazrul Islam, this morning (14 January).
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles.
Dr Islam also congratulated Kimmo and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration.
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The Finnish Ambassador expressed support for Bangladesh's democratic transition, while Dr Islam outlined the country's reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections on 12 February, alongside a national referendum on the July National Charter.
Dr Islam lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming elections, and Kimmo confirmed that Finnish observers will join the mission.
Dr Islam sought Finland's backing for Bangladesh's post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations, highlighting the country's commitment to labour rights and workplace safety.
Kimmo noted that following the transitional concession period, a new Bangladesh-EU arrangement would be needed and expressed Finland's support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Highlighting investment opportunities in Bangladesh's Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Dr Islam invited Kimmo to visit the facilities and encouraged Finnish participation in upcoming business events in Dhaka.
Kimmo expressed keen interest in visiting Korean and Japanese EPZs and emphasised that the Finnish business community is eager to engage in forthcoming EU business events in Bangladesh.
Both sides welcomed the signing of a contract between Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) and Nokia on 14 December 2025, which will establish Bangladesh's first private submarine cable project, linking Singapore to Cox's Bazar.
