Dhaka, Sept 7 (V7N)– LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today called for further strengthening Bangladesh-Italy relations, with greater cooperation in the economy, employment, skilled human resource development, prevention of illegal migration, language education and urban management.
He made the call when Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro met him at his office in the Secretariat, with State Minister Mir Shahe Alam present, according to a ministry press release.
The minister noted that relations between the countries are based on longstanding friendship and mutual cooperation, and new areas of cooperation need to be identified to take the tie forward. Alongside strengthening economic relations, he said, there are opportunities for the two countries to work together to create employment and develop skilled human resources.
Raising public awareness to prevent illegal migration was also discussed at the meeting. Moyeen Khan said various ministries and agencies concerned have roles to play in preventing illegal migration. However, greater public awareness can help make people more aware of safe and legal migration, he said.
Highlighting the importance of learning a third language to increase the export of skilled manpower, the minister sought Italy's cooperation in conducting Italian language education programmes in Bangladesh. Discussions were also held on creating opportunities for language training for skilled workers interested in employment in Italy, alongside developing trainers in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the Italian Ambassador praised the important role of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives in Bangladesh's development activities. Antonio Alessandro expressed his country's interest in further expanding Bangladesh-Italy cooperation.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said around 250,000 Bangladeshis live in Italy. He said discussions were held on securing Italy's cooperation to increase the export of legal manpower through skills development and Italian language education. At the same time, initiatives will be taken to raise awareness against illegal migration by involving local administrations and public representatives.
The state minister said discussions were also held on joint initiatives by the City of Milan and Khulna City Corporation on food security and preventing food waste. Besides, positive discussions were held on training Bangladeshi architects and exchanging experiences, as well as expanding trade, remittances and employment between the two countries.
The meeting also stressed further strengthening Bangladesh-Italy economic and development cooperation and deepening people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.
