ET Desk: Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle. The meeting, held at the Commerce Minister’s office at the Secretariat on Tuesday, April 21, brought together fruitful discussions on various aspects of strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the Bangladesh government is working to create an investment-friendly environment and is particularly encouraging foreign investment in the renewable energy sector. He said revitalizing the country’s existing industries, establishing new industries and creating employment are the government’s current priorities.

The minister also said that one of the government’s goals is to activate the industrial sector, which is rich in resources worth about $7 billion, and to make it productive by attracting private investment. At the same time, he called for increasing Australian investment in the solar power generation sector in Bangladesh.

The Australian High Commissioner said that trade between the two countries is currently around 5.14 billion Australian dollars, which is steadily increasing. There is significant investment potential in energy—especially in the renewable energy sector—in Bangladesh. To this end, a high-level Australian delegation is reviewing opportunities for green energy, innovation and technology cooperation.

He further said that currently, about 28,000 Bangladeshi students are studying in Australia and the country has become one of the most important destinations for Bangladeshi students.

During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in expanding the scope of trade, education and scholarship, enhancing the skills of officials of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, and further expanding cooperation in the infrastructure sector. Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan was present at the time.