Norway Sees Great Potential in Bangladesh for Trade

Norway’s newly appointed Ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbransen and Foreign Secretary Md Joshim Uddin

During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed several areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, the priorities of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, the Rohingya crisis, and climate change.

They expressed satisfaction over the evolution of Bangladesh-Norway relations from a focus on development cooperation to a more trade-centric partnership. The Foreign Secretary thanked Norway for its support in key sectors such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, and ship recycling.

The Ambassador echoed the sentiment, noting that Norway sees Bangladesh as a market with immense potential due to its large consumer base.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassador on the Interim Government’s reform initiatives and sought Norway’s support in technical expertise, experience sharing, and assistance for the treatment and rehabilitation of students injured during the July-August mass uprisings.

Ambassador Gulbransen expressed Norway’s readiness to support these reforms and explore opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors.

On the issue of the Rohingya crisis, the Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting the displaced people and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid. The Foreign Secretary thanked Norway for its ongoing assistance and urged for a safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, highlighting the impact on the host community.