Published: 12:23 AM, 13 August 2026
Bangladesh, Singapore hopeful of early conclusion of FTA
Bangladesh and Singapore on Tuesday expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and emphasised stronger business-to-business engagement.
The two countries also exchanged views on energy security, including risks to energy supplies, shipping and global supply chains, as well as climate change, water security, and illegal and irregular migration.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and its State Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim separately; and discussed issues of mutual interest, UNB reports.
She also visited the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) and met Vincent Ng, Regional CEO, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Türkiye, PSA, and senior officials.
The State Minister was briefed on PSA's global operations and the use of automation and advanced technologies to develop efficient, sustainable and smart ports.
Vincent Ng expressed PSA's interest in participating in the Bay Terminal project in Bangladesh, noting its potential to significantly enhance Chattogram Port and Bangladesh's trade and connectivity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The State Minister welcomed PSA's interest and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in port development, logistics, technology transfer, and capacity building, in line with Bangladesh's priorities of industrialisation, infrastructure development and connectivity.
"We discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including expanding trade and strengthening our energy partnership. We are also making good progress on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which will create more opportunities for businesses in both countries," said the Foreign Minister of Singapore.
He said Singapore and Bangladesh share a longstanding partnership and close people-to-people ties.
At the outset, the State Minister of Bangladesh met the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Singapore. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The discussions focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh's potential to diversify exports to Singapore beyond RMG, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, agro-products, and jute and jute products, and invited greater Singaporean investment in logistics, supply chains, renewable energy and research. Both sides also discussed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.
