BD and Finland renewed commitment for deeper engagements

Non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh HE Mr Kimmo Lähdevirta paid a courtesy call on the Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Nazrul Islam on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles.

The Secretary congratulated the Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration.

The Finnish Ambassador reiterated that Finland is very happy to watch the democratic transition of Bangladesh.

Secretary Nazrul Islam shed light on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, alongside a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.

Appreciating Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform initiatives, Nazrul Islam expressed lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming national elections.

The Ambassador mentioned that Finnish election observers will join the EU Election Observation Mission in Bangladesh soon.

Secretary Md Nazrul Islam sought Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations, emphasizing the country’s commitment to labour rights and workplace safety.

The Ambassador noted that, following the transitional concession period, Bangladesh and the EU would require a new arrangement and expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Highlighting the investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Nazrul Islam invited the Ambassador to visit the EPZs to get firsthand experience on production facilities, business operations and above all, the investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

He also encouraged Finnish participation in upcoming business events in Dhaka. In response, the Ambassador expressed keen interest in visiting Korean and Japanese EPZs and underscored that the Finnish business community are eager to participate in forthcoming EU business events in Bangladesh.

Both sides welcomed the signing of a contract between Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) and Nokia on 14 December 2025 which will be Bangladesh's first private submarine cable project, linking Singapore to Cox's Bazar.