Published: 12:01 AM, 04 June 2026
Kosovo urged to recruit more Bangladeshi workers
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday urged Kosovo to recruit more Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers, highlighting Bangladesh's demographic advantage and growing capacity to meet international labour market demands. She made the call when Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana paid a courtesy call on her at foreign ministry, said a foreign ministry's press release said. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in education, manpower, defence and migration, and deepening engagement in international organizations.
The state minister stressed the need to explore untapped potential in education, employment and migration cooperation and requested Kosovo to recruit more Bangladeshi workers in various sectors. She noted that around 65 percent of Bangladesh's population is under the age of 35, making the country a sustainable source of skilled manpower for the global labour market.
Shama also urged the Kosovan side to facilitate the enrolment of more Bangladeshi students in universities in Kosovo through scholarships, fellowships and grants.
She further requested easier visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals travelling for studies, employment, business, trade and investment, tourism, youth and sports exchanges, cultural activities and other people-to-people engagements.
The state minister emphasized expanding bilateral trade and called on Kosovo to import high-quality Bangladeshi products, including readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, furniture, plastic goods, ships, jute and leather products.
Highlighting Bangladesh's favourable investment climate, she invited Kosovan investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as apparel, leather, light engineering, agro-processing, petroleum, information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy and waste management.
Recalling Bangladesh's contribution to peace and stability in Kosovo, Shama mentioned the role played by Bangladeshi peacekeepers under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in 1999.
The Kosovan ambassador appreciated Bangladesh's contribution and proactive diplomatic engagement with Kosovo and expressed his country's readiness to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Describing Kosovo as a gateway to Europe and the Balkans, Ambassador Pllana said there is considerable scope for expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, investment, education, student exchanges, manpower recruitment, infrastructure development, elderly care services, professional training, private-sector collaboration, youth and sports, business-to-business relations and people-to-people contacts.
