Bangladesh and Finland have renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles.
HE Mr Kimmo Lähdevirta, non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit on Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East and West) for Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Dhaka on Wednesday morning.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in relations and reaffirmed their intent to further strengthen engagement, says a press release.
Nazrul Islam congratulated the Ambassador and the Finnish people on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration. He also briefed the Ambassador on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, which will be held alongside a referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.
The Finnish Ambassador welcomed Bangladesh’s democratic transition and expressed Finland’s support for the country’s reform initiatives.
Islam lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming polls. Finnish election observers are expected to join the EU mission in Bangladesh soon.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations, Islam sought Finland’s support, emphasising the country’s commitment to labour rights and workplace safety.
The Ambassador acknowledged that following the transitional concession period, a new arrangement with the EU will be required and expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Nazrul Islam also highlighted investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and invited the Ambassador to visit the facilities to see production operations and potential business prospects.
The Ambassador showed keen interest in visiting Korean and Japanese EPZs and expressed enthusiasm for Finnish participation in upcoming EU business events in Dhaka.
Both officials welcomed the signing of a contract on 14 December 2025 between Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) and Nokia for the country’s first private submarine cable project, linking Singapore to Cox’s Bazar.
The meeting underscored both countries’ commitment to long-term partnership and mutual economic growth while supporting Bangladesh’s democratic and reform trajectory.
