Bangladesh High Commissioner presents credentials in Namibia
His Excellency Mr Shah Ahmed Shafi, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pretoria, South Africa, presented his Letters of Credence to Mrs Naftembow Nandindaitwa, President of Namibia, on 7 May 2025.
The ceremony occurred at the President's guesthouse in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, starting at 11:30 AM and concluding at 12:45 PM.
During the presentation, Mr. Shah Ahmed Shafi delivered a speech on enhancing the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Namibia. He emphasised Bangladesh's recent economic advancements and highlighted the vast opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Addressing the potential of the garment industry, Mr. Shafi stated that Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in the garment sector over the past decades. He proposed that Namibia could establish garment factories in Bangladesh, leveraging Bangladesh's experienced workforce and benefiting from mutual cooperation in solving unemployment issues in both countries. Additionally, Mr. Shafi suggested that Namibia could import high-quality medicines produced in Bangladesh, which are currently exported to over 160 countries globally. He also raised the possibility of establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Namibia, which could help address the country's medical needs and generate economic benefits.
Regarding the establishment of garment factories in Namibia, Mr. Shafi noted that this initiative could generate significant employment opportunities for Namibians and promote skill development in the industry. Moreover, products made in Namibia under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) could access the US market tariff-free, providing an added advantage.
Furthermore, Mr. Shafi urged for stronger bilateral ties and suggested that a high-level business delegation from Namibia be sent to Bangladesh within the year. He also mentioned the possibility of a similar delegation from Bangladesh visiting Namibia.
Earlier that same day, Mr. Shafi met with Namibia's Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss further strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
On 8 May 2025, the High Commissioner held a bilateral meeting with Ambassador Sabine Böhlke-Möller, Head of the Department of Bilateral Relations and Cooperation at Namibia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this meeting, attended by Audrey Gantana Namases, Deputy Director of the Asia Desk at the Ministry, and Dr. Kazi Md Zakir Hossain, First Secretary of the Bangladesh High Commission, Mr. Shafi outlined the potential for collaboration in Bangladesh's garment, pharmaceutical, software, and leather industries.
Ambassador Böhlke-Möller assured us that steps would be taken soon to explore these opportunities further and requested that Bangladesh submit a concept paper on the proposed areas of cooperation. The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the growing friendship between the two.
