Singapore remains optimistic about Bangladesh’s long-term
potential and seeks to partner with Bangladesh in areas such as port
management, logistics, the aviation sector, the digital economy and in
capacity-building.
Chargé d' Affaires of Singapore in Dhaka Mitchel Lee said
this while speaking at the reception marking Singapore's 61st National Day
reception at a city hotel on Minday.
In 2025, our trade in
goods totaled 3.9 billion Singapore dollars or USD$3 billion. Cumulative FDI
into Bangladesh is also around 3 billion Singapore dollars or around USD$2
billion. This is not insignificant and there is more scope to grow.
Chargé d'
Affaires of Singapore Mitchel Lee said “In November 2022, Singapore signed an
MOU on Trade and Investment with Bangladesh which provided a framework for
closer economic cooperation including the setting up of a Joint Working Group
which would work towards an eventual FTA between both sides. “
Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister
Shaikh Rabiul Alam was present as the chief guest.
Politicians, civil and military bureaucrats, top leading business leaders,
journalists, diplomats attended the reception .
Chargé
d'Affaires of Singapore Mitchel Lee said “This year, Singapore celebrates 61
years of independence. It is also the 60th anniversary of the launch of
Singapore’s pledge which is recited by Singaporeans at our annual National Day
parade. It is also recited in schools and government offices daily. It calls
for Singaporeans to pledge themselves as “one united people, regardless of
race, language and religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice
and equality to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.”
He also said that the core values contained within this
pledge, multiculturalism, democracy, justice and equality, all remain relevant
for Singapore in this increasingly turbulent global environment. We also
believe that these values are applicable in Bangladesh as it strives towards a
better future.
Mitchel Lee
said “As Singapore celebrate our 61st birthday, we want to thank all our
international partners and in particular Bangladesh who have journeyed with us
to this stage of Singapore’s development. Our relationship with Bangladesh is
in fact longstanding. Diplomatic relations between both sides were established
in February 1972. “
A cornerstone of our bilateral relationship has
traditionally been the migrant workers from Bangladesh who are involved in
Singapore’s construction and marine services sector. In fact, although the
numbers are relatively small compared to other recipient countries, according
to Bangladesh Bank’s figures, Singapore is the 10th contributing country, in
terms of remittances sent back to Bangladesh.
Mitchel Lee said “But our relationship is, of course, about
much more than trade and investment. Over the past two years, we have also
tried to introduce Singapore to Bangladesh and learn more about Bangladesh
ourselves.
He also said “We did this through talks at universities, our
first Visa and Consular Networking Session, cooking workshops at the National
Hotel & Tourism Training Institute, and film screenings. We also held our
first Singapore-Bangladesh Art Exhibition featuring both Singaporean and
Bangladeshi artists at Alliance Française de Dhaka. In fact, you can see the
works by the young Bangladeshi artists displayed just behind you.”
He also said “We also sought to share Singapore's experience
in good governance and strengthen people-to-people ties through the Singapore
Cooperation Programme, including by bringing together former participants for
an SCP Alumni Dinner. We also donated a collection of Singapore books to the
Bangladesh National Library.”
He also said
“Going forward, my successor, Philip Ong, who is here today, will work closely
with all of you to take our bilateral relationship to greater heights. I have
told Philip that he will now have to think of something new to keep all of you
entertained next year.
Mitchel Lee said “Finally, let me conclude by thanking all
of you present here for your warm friendship and camaraderie. I got to know
many of you not just professionally but as good friends. As I move from the Bay
of Bengal to the other Bay area across the pacific ocean, I hope that we
continue to stay in touch. “
