Australia will increase funding for the Australian Trade Agency to enhance economic engagement with Bangladesh and support its economic reforms as it graduates from least developed country status, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced today.
“We will provide additional funds to help Bangladesh align its labour laws with the requirements and aspirations of that graduation,” Wong stated during a press briefing following her meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka.
She emphasized Australia’s commitment to the multilateral system and the importance of upholding international rules and norms. Besides deepening economic ties, Australia will also fund technical education training colleges in Bangladesh.
“We share a region, we share an ocean, and we share a future. We are determined to do all that we can to work with you and other partners to ensure a region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous,” Wong added.
Foreign Minister Hasan highlighted that this marks the first visit by an Australian Foreign Minister in 26 years. “We had a very good discussion. Bangladesh and Australia are having a very good relationship. Australia has contributed a lot,” he said.
He noted that two-way trade has grown to around $4 billion, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth. “This is quite impressive. The trade volume was much smaller ten years ago.”
Hasan mentioned that the Australian FM assured him of continued duty-free and quota-free market access to Australia.
Wong praised Bangladesh’s leadership on climate action, which aligns with Australia’s commitment to significant emissions reductions and a clean energy economy. She confirmed Australia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s transition.
Hasan requested investment in Bangladesh’s 100 economic zones and 40 high-tech villages. “We discussed collaboration in this area, as well as addressing human trafficking and environmental cooperation,” he said.
Wong also addressed the Rohingya crisis, stating, “We need a safe and enduring solution that allows the Rohingya a safe return to their homeland. Tomorrow I will travel to Cox’s Bazar to see firsthand how our assistance is being delivered.”
Australia has invested around 860 million Australian dollars over six years in response to the Rohingya crisis. Wong affirmed continued cooperation with ASEAN and other regional countries to resolve the conflict in Myanmar.
“We are working on practical solutions to climate change, regional maritime security, and people smuggling. These challenges require partnership and collaboration,” Wong said, emphasizing the importance of deeper cooperation between the Australian and Bangladeshi Coast Guards.
When asked about the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or Quad, Wong responded, “We are a member of the Quad and other regional forums. Australia, as a middle power, values partnerships, collaboration, and engagement. We will continue to collaborate with Indian Ocean countries through the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).”
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia M Allama Siddiqui and acting Australian High Commissioner to Dhaka Nadia Simpson were also present at the meeting.
