Finland keen on development of smart city, small port in Bangladesh

Finland has shown interest in promoting cooperation in the development of a smart city and smart port in Bangladesh.

The Scandinavian country also conveyed the interest of the Finnish energy companies to collaborate with Bangladesh.

The issues were discussed during a meeting between non-resident Finnish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ritva Koukku-Ronde and Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam at the foreign ministry today.

The ambassador is currently on a bilateral visit to Bangladesh and scheduled to meet the Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid.

They discussed ways to expand trade and investment, cooperation in climate action, sustainable development, migration and mobility, education and research, renewable energy and digital cooperation.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues including the Ukraine conflict and its implications.

State Minister Shahriar Alam encouraged the Finnish companies to benefit from the attractive business opportunities in Bangladesh and discussed possible economic engagements between the two countries.

The Finnish ambassador appreciated Bangladesh's role in maintaining regional stability by hosting 1.1 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and providing them with sustainable livelihood and education. She also praised Bangladesh's well recognised role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

State Minister Shahriar Alam sought Finland's support to Bangladesh's candidature to the UN Security Council membership.

Ritva Koukku-Ronde indicated to give due consideration to Bangladesh's bid.

Shahriar Alam flagged the issue of the visa difficulties experienced by the students aiming to go to Finland for pursuing higher studies.

The Finnish ambassador expressed her desire to collaborate more in the higher education sector and assured of easing the visa complexities shortly.