Bangladesh and Finland on Wednesday reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation during a courtesy call by Finland’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh, HE Kimmo Lähdevirta, on the Secretary (East & West) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md Nazrul Islam.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of Bangladesh–Finland relations and agreed to deepen engagement in key areas, including trade and investment, clean energy, digital services and the textile sector.
Secretary Nazrul Islam congratulated the Finnish Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebrations.
In response, Ambassador Lähdevirta said Finland was pleased to witness Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition.
The foreign ministry secretary briefed the ambassador on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, along with a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.
Expressing appreciation for Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic process and reform initiatives, Nazrul Islam also lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the forthcoming polls.
The ambassador noted that Finnish election observers would soon join the EU mission in Bangladesh.
Nazrul Islam sought Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s post-LDC transition and its aspiration to secure GSP+ status, highlighting the country’s continued commitment to labour rights and workplace safety.
The Finnish ambassador said that following the transitional concession period, a new trade arrangement between Bangladesh and the EU would be required and reaffirmed Finland’s support for the possibility of a Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement.
Highlighting investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), the foreign secretary invited the ambassador to visit the zones to gain firsthand insight into production facilities, business operations and investment prospects.
He also encouraged Finnish participation in upcoming business events in Dhaka.
In response, Ambassador Lähdevirta expressed interest in visiting the Korean and Japanese EPZs and noted that the Finnish business community is keen to take part in future EU business events in Bangladesh.
Both sides also welcomed the signing of a contract on December 14, 2025, between Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) and Nokia for Bangladesh’s first private submarine cable project, which will connect Singapore with Cox’s Bazar.
SH
