Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh H.E. Antonio ALESSANDRO congratulated Hon’ble Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as the Foreign Minister, during a courtesy call on 13 February 2024 at the latter’s office.
The 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 the 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, defense and security. The Ambassador expressed a keen interest in Italy to become a robust partner in the industrial advancement of Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with 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 the Foreign Minister’s proposals and was apprised on the 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 the Bangladesh government again for hosting the Rohingyas and assured Italy of continued humanitarian support to them and political support to resolve the protracted crisis.