Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has emphasized the need for Bangladesh and Italy to work together to strengthen their existing friendly relations and expand cooperation in various areas, including the economy, employment, skilled human resource development, prevention of irregular migration, language education and urban management.

The issues were discussed during a courtesy meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the minister’s office at the Secretariat on Monday (September 7). State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present.

The minister said Bangladesh-Italy relations are based on longstanding friendship and mutual cooperation. New areas of cooperation need to be identified to further advance these relations. Alongside strengthening economic ties, there are opportunities for the two countries to work together to create employment and develop skilled human resources, he added.

The meeting also placed emphasis on raising public awareness to prevent irregular migration. In this regard, the local government minister said various ministries and agencies have roles to play in preventing irregular migration. However, greater public awareness can help people become more informed about safe and legal migration.

Emphasizing the importance of learning a third language to increase the export of skilled manpower, the minister sought Italy’s cooperation in conducting Italian language education programmes. Discussions also covered creating opportunities for training instructors in Bangladesh and providing language training to skilled workers interested in employment in Italy.

During the meeting, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro praised the important role played by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives in Bangladesh’s development activities. He also expressed Italy’s interest in further expanding cooperation between the two countries.

At a briefing with journalists after the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said around 250,000 Bangladeshis live in Italy. Discussions were held on Italy’s cooperation to increase the export of skilled manpower through skills development and Italian language training.

He said initiatives would also be taken to raise awareness against irregular migration by involving local administrations and elected representatives.

The state minister said discussions were held with the city of Milan on joint efforts with Khulna City Corporation to ensure food security and prevent food waste. Positive discussions were also held on training and experience-sharing for Bangladeshi architects, as well as increasing trade, remittances and employment between the two countries.

The meeting emphasized further strengthening Bangladesh-Italy economic and development cooperation and enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Secretary of the Local Government Division Md Shahidul Hasan, Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Dr Rafiqul E Mohammad, and senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.