Shama Obaed Highlights Trade, Investment at Spain-Bangladesh Expo

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify exports, attract foreign investment and create a more business-friendly environment while inaugurating the third Spain-Bangladesh Expo 2026 in Seville, Spain.

During the event, she highlighted emerging opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear, agro-processing, information technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, encouraging Spanish entrepreneurs and investors to explore Bangladesh’s growing market and manufacturing capabilities.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Spain Masudur Rahman, Rocío Blanco, Minister of Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Ashiqur Rahman, president of the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event.

The expo brought together Antonio Gutiérrez Limones, vice-chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee; José Agustín González Romo, director general of Andalusia Global; Manuel Parejo Guzmán, director of the Open for Business Office at Seville City Council; and María Isabel Romero Arias, president of the Islamic Junta.

Around 40 Bangladeshi and Spanish companies from sectors including readymade garments, leather, agro-processing, jute products, chemicals and household goods showcased their products to attract buyers and business partners from both countries.

The event also highlighted financial and logistical support available to businesses.

Shama Obaed praised the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry for bringing together the business communities and creating opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing and commercial engagement.

She acknowledged the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to the development of Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s golden fibre, jute, she stressed its potential in the growing global market for sustainable materials, including innovative applications in contemporary fashion, design and environmentally friendly consumer products.

She also underscored the potential of the creative economy, including design, fashion and cultural industries, to foster innovation and generate employment.

The one-day expo is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and Spain by fostering closer business engagement, promoting export diversification in the Spanish market and opening new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, the creative economy and sustainable production.

Bangladesh is seeking to expand exports to Spain by diversifying its export basket, strengthening business links and exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation.

Spain-Bangladesh Chamber member and Bangladeshi community leader Monwar Hossain Monu supervised the event.