Staff Correspondent
The Italian Ambassador Antonio ALESSANDRO recently congratulated Foreign Minister
Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP on his appointment as the Foreign Minister, during a courtesy
call on at the latter’s office.
Foreign Minister termed Italy as a true friend and a trusted partner of Bangladesh. He
stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official bilateral visit to Italy in 2020 and her
recent visit to Rome in July last year have further strengthened bilateral relations
between the two friendly countries. The Italian Ambassador lauded the spectacular socio-
economic development of Bangladesh over the last decade and termed Bangladesh-Italy
relations special due to the contributions of around 200,000 Bangladeshis to Italian
economy and society. He expressed satisfaction at the signing of two bilateral
instruments between the two governments on energy cooperation and cultural exchange
during the Prime Minister’s visit to Rome in July last year and expressed the desire for
institutional cooperation on migration and mobility, defence and security. The
Ambassador expressed keen interest of Italy to become a robust partner in the industrial
advancement of Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the bilateral trade volume of USD 3 billion but
observed that further potential exists to enhance bilateral trade volume. He invited Italian
investment in Bangladesh’s leather and leather products, renewable energy and waste-
to-energy, agro-processing and IT sectors. He suggested that Italian car manufacturer
Fiat may consider joint-venture automobile production in Bangladesh for mutual benefit.
The Italian Ambassador appreciated
Foreign Minister’s proposals and apprised on establishment of an Italy-Bangladesh
Chamber of Commerce and Industries (IBCCI) soon to advance trade and investment
cooperation between the two countries. The Foreign Minister expected that an Italian
trade and investment delegation would visit Bangladesh this year to explore business
opportunities.
The Italian Ambassador thanked Bangladesh government again for hosting the
Rohingyas and assured Italy’s continued humanitarian support to them and political
support to resolve the protracted crisis.
The Italian Ambassador pays courtesy call onForeign Minister
