Meloni’s August Trip: A New Chapter in Bangladesh-Italy Ties

On 12th February 1972 Italy became the first European and Western country which recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign country. Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Italy were established in 1973. In 1974, Italy was one of the countries that sponsored the admission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. Since then the relations between Bangladesh and Italy have never strained except the Holy  Artisan incident. In the era of Interim Government of Bangladesh, the upcoming visit of Italy's Honorable Prime Minister’s Giorgio Meloni will be the first ever visit from any European country. Undoubtedly this visit will lay a significant foundation of Bangladesh-Italy relations and open a new door for further enhancement.

Regarding Diplomatic relations, Italy is very keen to deepen bilateral relations. The geographic location of Bangladesh upholds Bangladesh's value towards Western countries. Likewise, Italy also wants to keep forging relations with Bangladesh to get some advantage in the Indo-Pacific region. For Bangladesh, Italy is a trusted partner that has been with Bangladesh for a long time. At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Giorgio Meloni had a sideline conversation with the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, while she affirmed that Bangladesh's new transition and Italy have all sorts of support in that regard. Earlier in May, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi came to Bangladesh and certained Prime-minister’s visit before September. Through this diplomatic channel, Bangladesh is looking forward to exerting on the areas of peaceful labor migration, readymade garments export, joint ventures on infrastructure and the Green economy. Bangladesh is likely to get a good hand regarding its transition from LDC to a developing country.

In the case of Economic ties, Italy is one of the long-lasting, trusted economic partners in the European Union. Italy is also one of the top destinations for Bangladesh's readymade garment products. In the 2023- 2024 fiscal year, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports to Italy were valued at $36.151 billion, marking a 21.55% increase compared to the previous year, according to BGMEA. This growth made Bangladesh the second-largest supplier of apparel to Italy, following China. Notably, in 2023, the bilateral trade exceeded $2 billion, largely in favor of Bangladesh due to RMG exports. Apart from ready-made Garments products, Bangladesh also exports Textiles, leather goods and seafood and imports machinery, chemicals, electronics and luxury goods from Italy. Bangladeshi migration to Italy has seen a significant increase, particularly in sea arrivals via the central Mediterranean route. While some Bangladeshi migrants have a history of legal migration to Italy for work, many are now attempting dangerous crossings from North Africa, fueled by a desire for better economic opportunities and facilitated by smugglers.

About 1.75 to 2.00 lakhs Bangladeshi diaspora stay in Italy now, which is the largest in Europe. They are engaged in the sectors of agriculture, construction, services and small businesses. Bangladesh had received about  15,000 million taka as remittances in the year of 2024. Italy’s government urged Bangladeshi authorities to send 5 lakh migrants legally. The conversation of legal pathways to send migrants to Italy will be one of the foremost issues between Bangladesh and Italy.

Even Bangladesh can get some sort of extra facilities from Italy as a  European Union country to cut short trade barriers after the transition from LDC to a developing country. GSP and GSP facilities from the European Union, Italy, will be a key facilitator for Bangladesh.

Regarding Cultural ties, Bangladeshi Diaspora has built distinct cultural affinities with Italian culture.  Even Bangladeshi culture has been disseminated throughout Italy. Art, Music, Language, movies,  religions, and cooking styles are all established as a natural cultural flow of Bangladeshi communities. In recent times, Italy has become a major destination for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education, drawn by its prestigious universities, diverse academic programs, and scholarship opportunities. One of the major attractions is the MACEI Scholarship, which offers financial aid to international students, including those from Bangladesh. “Invest Your Talent in Italy" program, Job Prospects and Work Permits, Gateway to Europe, international academic exchange programs, such as Erasmus+, are some phenomenal options for Bangladeshi students to choose Italy for higher studies.

In addition, preparations are underway to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the visit to enhance cooperation in the commercial sector. Italy has expressed special interest in the garment industry, leather industry, renewable energy and information technology sectors.

In terms of the Green economy and climate change cooperation, Italy has always in the side of Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Italy are actively cooperating on green economy initiatives and climate change mitigation. This collaboration includes partnerships in sustainable energy, green finance, and addressing climate-related migration, with a focus on building a greener and more resilient Bangladesh.

Bangladesh believes the relations with Italy will be strengthened, and the meetings between the Chief Adviser and Giorgio Meloni will highlight Bangladesh's potential enhancement in the European Union. Finally, the Bangladesh side also acknowledged Italy’s continued support within the European Union and international forums. Certainly, Bangladesh will take the chance to flourish its economy and diplomatic relations throughout Europe.

 
Md. Al-Amin writes on
diplomacy, foreign policy,
border conflicts and security issues.