Shama urges Singapore to expand job markets for Bangladeshi workers

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam urged Singapore to expand employment opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers, highlighting the government's priority on job creation and vocational training.

The issues were discussed when Singapore's Chargé d'Affaires Mitchel Lee paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here today (25 March).

During the meeting, the envoy congratulated the state minister on her assumption of office, while she reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further strengthening longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.

The Singapore side highlighted ongoing bilateral engagements and strong people-to-people ties, noting the positive reputation of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore and emerging opportunities in upcoming large-scale infrastructure projects, including the new terminal at Changi Airport.

The envoy also expressed interest in concluding the Bangladesh–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (BSFTA) at an early date and sought continued cooperation on the Bay Terminal project.

Bangladesh assured full support through coordination with relevant agencies.

Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in ICT, digital governance and capacity building, as well as potential collaboration in renewable energy and waste-to-energy projects.

The state minister urged greater Singaporean investment in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of reducing trade imbalance by promoting Bangladeshi exports, including agro-products, jute, ceramics and leather goods.

They also emphasised exchanging business delegations to boost targeted engagement and welcomed the prospect of holding the next Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dhaka this year.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.