Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has invited commercial companies from Italy to explore and extract oil and gas resources in Bangladesh’s coastal areas.
He extended the invitation during a courtesy meeting with the Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the speaker’s office on Sunday.
The meeting emphasised oil and gas exploration and well-drilling in the coastal region of Bangladesh to boost energy cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking on bilateral ties, Hafiz noted that Italy is an important commercial partner supplying defence equipment for Bangladesh’s armed defence.
He added that Italian machinery and equipment are available in sufficient quantities in the Bangladeshi market, expressing hope that the traditional friendly relations between Italy and Bangladesh will expand further strategically in the future.
Alessandro described Bangladesh as an old friend of Italy. He said the Italian government is keen to expand parliamentary diplomacy through the formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group between the parliaments of the two countries, as well as exchange visits of parliamentary delegations.
During discussions on commercial relations, the ambassador noted that large quantities of Bangladesh’s ready-made garments, leather goods, and ceramic products are exported to Italy every year.
Hafiz highlighted that Italy is a major destination for Bangladeshi export products among European Union member states.
Discussions were also held on resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis. He added that the Italian government provides large financial assistance to Bangladesh every year for the rehabilitation of the Rohingyas.
Addressing migration issues, Hafiz noted that Italy has consistently shown generosity towards Bangladeshi migrants and is working towards ensuring safe and legal migration for them.
Diplomatic representatives of the Italian Embassy and relevant officials of Secretariat were present at the meeting.
