Finland, Bangladesh see tighter bilateral ties

Finland and Bangladesh are committed to boost bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors, particularly to deepen trade and investment, recruitment of manpower, collaboration in education, IT, technology transfer, green transition, and especially climate change.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Finland, Bangladesh Ambassador Mehdi Hasan, who presented his credentials to President Sauli Niinistö at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday said that the President expressed satisfaction over the bilateral relations between the countries.

“He [Niinistö] expressed satisfaction over the bilateral relations between the two countries and appreciated the role of the Government of Bangladesh in poverty alleviation and socio-economic development of Bangladesh,” said the Bangladesh envoy, who sits in the Embassy of Bangladesh in Stockholm, also in charge of Bangladesh’s diplomatic affairs in Finland, and Norway.

Hasan said that he discussed with the President on different aspects of bilateral cooperation and proposed to the President to consider the possibility of recruitment of manpower from Bangladesh.

“As the solution to the shrinking population issue and lack of young work force in Finland, the possibility of manpower import from Bangladesh gained deep interest from President Niinistö,” Hasan said, adding that the President assured him to look into the matter further.

The Bangladesh envoy said that as a young nation with growing workforce of average age of 28, Bangladesh is looking for opportunity in sending its workforce abroad.

“It’s a win-win situation for both countries regarding knowledge and technology transfer” he said.

The ambassador emphasized to the Bangladesh’s huge need of technology and resource investment from Finland for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

“Bangladesh is one of the top seven most climate vulnerable countries in the world, with the annual frequency of floods and cyclone” Hasan said, adding, “the country yet pledges 5% greenhouse gas emissions cuts by 2030”.

The Bangladesh envoy also noted that the rise in bilateral trade of green solutions and smart technology will not only reinforce bilateral commercial relations, but also help both countries play a positive role in regards to climate change, the issue on which Finland and Bangladesh are already working together.

“Nordic countries are good examples in coping with climate change and adapting sustainable solutions. Therefore, we are discussing to learn the success stories from them” added Hasan.

The ambassador said he also discussed with Finnish authorities in simplifying the visa process for the Bangladeshi students and citizens.

Hasan also expressed gratitude for Finland’s support to the Independence War of Bangladesh in 1971.

“Since then, Finland has been a great friend of Bangladesh and supported us economically and politically. I strongly believe that our two nations will continue to strengthen the bilateral relations”, said the Bangladesh envoy.

He also appraised the President about the Rohingya crisis and requested Finland to take effective measures to encourage the Myanmar authorities to create conducive environment in Rakhine State for ensuring their safe, sustainable, and dignified return to their homeland.