Bangladesh, Lithuania agree to deepen trade, tech cooperation
Bangladesh and Lithuania today agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skilled workforce mobility and other priority areas, opening new avenues for closer engagement between the two countries.
The understanding was reached at the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries held in Dhaka, according to a foreign ministry press release.
Bangladesh's Secretary (Bilateral East and West) Ambassador Dr M Nazrul Islam and Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas led their respective delegations.
At the outset, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a formal mechanism for Foreign Office Consultations to facilitate regular diplomatic engagement and strengthen bilateral relations.
The delegations agreed to deepen political cooperation and promote reciprocal high-level visits, including exchanges at the foreign ministerial level.
On economic cooperation, Bangladesh invited Lithuanian investors to explore opportunities in its Special Economic Zones, highlighting the country's strengths in ready-made garments, jute products and pharmaceuticals.
Both sides agreed to encourage greater private-sector engagement, exchange business delegations and expedite an MoU between their apex chambers of commerce.
Bangladesh also invited a Lithuanian private-sector delegation to undertake an exploratory investment mission.
A major focus of the consultations was expanding cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT), digital governance and emerging technologies.
Lithuania expressed its readiness to support Bangladesh in developing e-governance systems, including digital identity, secure data exchange and interoperable public services.
The two sides identified potential areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial technology, cloud services, digital transport systems, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
The Lithuanian vice-minister said several Lithuanian technology companies and investors were interested in exploring business opportunities in Bangladesh and establishing partnerships with local enterprises.
The delegations also discussed expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled professionals in Lithuania through regular and legal migration channels.
Bangladesh highlighted its growing pool of skilled workers, including IT professionals, engineers, electricians, plumbers and healthcare personnel.
Both sides explored cooperation under the European Union's Talent Partnership programme in sectors such as ICT, caregiving, construction, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and agro-processing.
Lithuania expressed optimism about developing such cooperation through government-to-government arrangements and established legal migration mechanisms.
In the education sector, the Lithuanian vice-minister said the number of Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in Lithuania had increased more than fourfold in recent years.
He said around 1,200 Bangladeshi students were currently studying at Lithuanian universities and stressed the importance of ensuring regular and legal pathways for student mobility.
The two countries also agreed to promote people-to-people contacts through exchanges involving students, young people, tourists, cultural groups and professionals.
They discussed the early conclusion of several bilateral agreements covering agriculture, trade, investment protection, industrial cooperation, culture and tourism.
On multilateral cooperation, Lithuania reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Bangladesh at the United Nations and other international forums.
The Lithuanian vice-minister congratulated Dr Khalilur Rahman on assuming the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and pledged support for the discharge of his responsibilities.
Lithuania, which is scheduled to hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2027, also expressed willingness to extend possible support on issues of interest to Bangladesh within the EU.
The Lithuanian side further pledged support for Bangladesh's efforts towards the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Both countries recognised opportunities to strengthen interregional connectivity and cooperation by leveraging Lithuania's strategic position in the Baltic region and Bangladesh's location between South and Southeast Asia.
They also agreed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 through appropriate programmes highlighting the achievements of their bilateral partnership.
The delegations described the consultations as an important step towards strengthening cooperation and agreed to hold the third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Vilnius at a mutually convenient time.
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Invest Bangladesh, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology also attended the consultations from the Bangladesh side.
