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Estonia has expressed interest in expanding its partnership with Bangladesh in e-governance, digital transformation and information technology. At the same time, the country has shown a positive attitude toward recruiting skilled professionals from Bangladesh, including IT specialists, healthcare workers and engineers.
The agreement was reached during the second round of Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and Estonia, held on Monday (August 10) in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
Bangladesh’s delegation was led by Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Affairs (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Estonia’s delegation was headed by Mati Murd, Head of the Asia and Pacific Division at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to further expanding and deepening political and bilateral relations.
Information technology and digital cooperation received particular attention during the discussions. Estonia proposed providing Bangladesh with technical assistance in areas such as digital identity systems (e-ID), secure data exchange, innovation and e-governance. It was also stated that several Estonian digital technology companies and investors are interested in investing in Bangladesh and working jointly with local companies.
Regarding overseas employment, the two sides discussed creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers under the European Union’s “Talent Partnership” programme. Both countries agreed on the potential recruitment of skilled professionals from Bangladesh in sectors including information technology, caregiving, construction, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and agro-processing.
The meeting also emphasized strengthening contacts between the private sectors of the two countries to boost trade and economic cooperation. The Bangladeshi side highlighted the country’s capabilities in ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute products, and pharmaceuticals. Bangladesh also invited Estonian investors to invest in its Special Economic Zones (SEZs). To facilitate this, a proposal was made to establish a joint working group on trade and economic cooperation and to sign a memorandum of understanding between the leading trade organizations of the two countries.
To strengthen diplomatic and bilateral relations, the delegations discussed the possibility of reciprocal visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries and the formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group. Emphasis was also placed on cooperation in education, research, sports, student and cultural exchanges, and tourism. Both sides agreed to expedite several pending bilateral agreements, including those related to the avoidance of double taxation, investment protection and industrial cooperation.
The meeting also reached an understanding to continue mutual support at international forums, particularly the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. Estonia also gave Bangladesh a clear assurance that it would support the country on the issue of Rohingya repatriation at international forums.
Earlier, the Bangladeshi delegation attended a luncheon meeting with Karin Mand, Acting Undersecretary of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for NATO and Transatlantic Relations. Various issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
