Foreign secretary leads Bangladesh delegation to UNIDO conference in Riyadh
The secretary highlighted the new challenges countries like Bangladesh are facing in destination markets, including issues related to market access and technology transfer
Bangladesh is participating in the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), being held in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, from 23–27 November 2025, says a press release today (25 November).
This year's theme is "Global Industrial Summit 2025". Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam is leading the Bangladesh delegation.
In his statement at the conference, the foreign secretary highlighted the new challenges countries like Bangladesh are facing in destination markets, including issues related to market access and technology transfer.
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He stated that emerging pre-requisites in export markets are hampering industrial expansion and value addition in supply chains in developing countries.
He also warned that unless tariffs and non-tariff barriers are eased, poverty reduction, job creation, and advancement up the manufacturing ladder would remain distant goals for emerging economies.
He urged adequate funding and resource allocation to UNIDO so the organisation can support industrialisation in the Global South.
The foreign secretary also welcomed UNIDO's cooperation with member states in promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, waste management, and circular economy initiatives, and expressed appreciation for UNIDO's support to Bangladesh.
