Italy emphasizes mobility of creative professionals, trade ties with Bangladesh

Commending the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy, Ambassador of Italy in Dhaka Antonio Alessandro has underscored the importance of mobility for creative professionals between Bangladesh and Italy.

Antonio Alessandro was speaking at a press conference at his Gulshan residence yesterday (31 March) on the occasion of the "Italian Design Day 2026".

He said, "The mobility of human resources into Italy faces challenges that both countries can address together. Energy is limited globally, and architects and designers can help reduce consumption in the industry. Around 250,000 Bangladeshis are well integrated into Italian society and contribute to the economies of both Bangladesh and Italy."

He said that a new generation of Bangladeshis is migrating to Italy, which will shape relations between both countries in the coming days.

Antonio added, "The Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy is the second largest in Europe in terms of number, after the highest number in the United Kingdom. Italy issued some 550 student visas to Bangladeshis last year to pursue higher education in different Italian universities."

He said that Bangladesh and Italy have trade relations worth USD $2 billion, with Bangladesh enjoying a trade surplus; exports from Bangladesh to Italy stood at €1.5 billion, while Italy's exports to Bangladesh were €500 million.

The ambassador said: "The Italy-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) should be re-launched in Bangladesh soon to explore trade potentials."

Architect Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), in his speech, said that Bangladesh and Italy should share experiences in creativity.

He said, "Higher educational institutions should offer courses on product design in Bangladesh that can help the country produce high-end products."

Architect Fabio Novembre, ambassador of Italian Design for Bangladesh in 2026, in his speech, said that he came to Bangladesh to share his experience in design and creativity with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, designers, and creators. He will hold a seminar with stakeholders of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh at Agargaon in the city on Thursday (2 April).

Famous Italian fashion designer and architect Fabio Novembre is in Dhaka to explore new avenues in Bangladesh.

He will meet fashion designers, journalists, and stakeholders during his visit to Bangladesh.

He will also meet stakeholders in the furniture industry. President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nuria Lopez, also spoke on the occasion.