Bangladesh and Italy have agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation with a strong focus on expanding legal manpower exports through targeted language and skill training, while collaborating closely to curb illegal migration.
The development was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Abdul Moyeen Khan and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Secretariat on Monday.
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present during the discussions.
Stressing that the relationship between Bangladesh and Italy is built on a long-standing friendship, Moyeen called for identifying new areas of collaboration to further strengthen bilateral ties.
He pointed out that both nations have substantial opportunities to work together in boosting economic ties, generating employment, and developing skilled human resources.
Addressing the critical issue of preventing illegal migration, the LGRD minister noted that while various ministries and agencies have active roles to play, raising public awareness is vital to guide citizens towards safe and legal migration pathways.
Highlighting the importance of learning a third language to enhance the export of skilled manpower, Moyeen sought Italy’s assistance in running Italian language training programmes in Bangladesh.
Discussions also focused on creating language training opportunities for skilled workers looking for employment in Italy, alongside developing local instructors in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Alessandro lauded the vital role played by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives in Bangladesh’s national development and expressed Italy’s keen interest in expanding bilateral co-operation.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Shahe Alam noted that around 250,000 Bangladeshis currently reside in Italy.
He said the two sides discussed leveraging Italian assistance to boost the export of legal human resources through skill development and language training.
The state minister added that initiatives would be taken to prevent illegal migration channels by actively involving local administrations and public representatives in awareness campaigns.
The talks were held on joint co-operation between Khulna City Corporation and Milan City to ensure food security and prevent food waste.
The meeting also touched upon training and experience-sharing opportunities for Bangladeshi architects, as well as measures to boost bilateral trade, remittances, and employment.
Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening economic and development co-operation while fostering closer people-to-people relations.
The meeting was also attended by Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Rafiqul Mohammad, and other senior officials of the ministry.
