Prof Yunus urges Spain to increase bilateral trade, investment, manpower recruitment

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (9 October) called upon Spain to increase its trade and investment in Bangladesh to support the country's economic recovery.

He also urged Spain to recruit more wage earners from Bangladesh in both technical and non-technical sectors.

The CA made the request when Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel Sistiaga paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Prof Yunus said some 60,000 Bangladeshis are currently employed in Spain.

The Spanish envoy enquired whether Spain could assist Bangladesh's interim government in its reform initiatives, drawing on its own experiences.

The CA expressed his gratitude for the offer and said that Bangladesh would welcome any support from Spain in advancing the reforms that the interim government is currently implementing in key sectors.

Prof Yunus highlighted areas of potential cooperation, including investment in the healthcare sector and infrastructural development for Bangladesh Railway. "Spain can support us in various ways. It can bring more investment here and expand imports of our garment products," Yunus told the ambassador.

"Besides, receiving assistance from Spain in our development sector will be beneficial," he added.

Ambassador Sistiaga handed over a letter from Spanish President Pedro Sanchez to Yunus congratulating him on assuming the position of head of Bangladesh's interim government.

He also handed over an invitation from the President of the Spanish government to the Chief Adviser to visit Spain during the International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held there from 30 June to 3 July 2025, according to the CA's press wing.

The CA urged the ambassador to convey his greetings to Queen Sofía of Spain and reminisced about his fond memories with her during her previous visits to Bangladesh.

He also extended an invitation for her to visit Bangladesh again.