Seeks stronger trade ties, Swiss expertise in local government and cooperation in skills development

Special Correspondent: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on Switzerland to increase investment and expand bilateral trade with Bangladesh, stressing that the country now needs investment to generate employment, accelerate economic growth and unlock its vast economic potential.

“Bangladesh now seeks substantial investment rather than aid. There is vast potential in this country. Increased investment will create employment opportunities and enable Bangladesh to progress rapidly,” the President said.

He made the remarks when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday, according to President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam.

During the meeting, the President highlighted the contributions of Swiss companies operating in Bangladesh and called for greater Swiss investment in promising sectors of the economy.

His appeal comes as Bangladesh seeks to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to create jobs, strengthen productive capacity and diversify economic activities. Greater engagement with Swiss businesses could open opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and knowledge sharing, alongside increased trade.

The President emphasised that Bangladesh offers considerable investment potential and expressed hope that the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries would lead to new opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation.

Beyond trade and investment, the discussion focused on Switzerland’s experience in local government and the potential for Bangladesh to benefit from its institutional expertise.

The President praised Switzerland’s local government system and expressed interest in drawing on its experience to make Bangladesh’s local government institutions more effective and stronger.

The Swiss ambassador assured Bangladesh of his country’s support following the President’s request for cooperation in this area.

The President also appreciated Switzerland’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and enhancing parliamentary activities, underscoring the importance of institutional capacity in sustaining effective governance.

The two sides discussed a broad range of areas for cooperation, including climate change, skills development, cultural exchange, technical education, education and research.

These areas could provide additional avenues for collaboration, particularly in developing a skilled workforce, improving technical capabilities and strengthening educational and research links between the two countries.

For Bangladesh, expanded cooperation with Switzerland could complement efforts to attract quality investment while building the human resources and institutional capacity needed for sustainable economic development.

The President expressed optimism that the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland would pave the way for deeper cooperation in investment, trade and other areas of mutual interest.

Secretaries of the President’s Office, the director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Diepak Elmer were present at the meeting.