Bangladesh and Kosovo have discussed launching a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) process and expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation, with pharmaceuticals, information technology and labour mobility among the areas identified for closer collaboration.
Bangladesh and Kosovo have discussed starting a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) process and using European trade frameworks to expand trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The issue was raised during the Second Foreign Office Consultations in Pristina, alongside discussions on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, education, agriculture, tourism and labour mobility.
The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Dr M Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral – East & West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Kosovar delegation was headed by Ilir Muçaj, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
The two sides also discussed establishing a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and increasing private-sector engagement, including exchanges between business delegations and cooperation between the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce.
Bangladesh encouraged Kosovo to increase imports of Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute goods, ceramics and pharmaceuticals. It also invited Kosovan investors to consider opportunities in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones.
Kosovo highlighted its proximity to the European Union market, competitive workforce and access to European markets through the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The countries also agreed to expedite agreements under negotiation, particularly those relating to economic cooperation and avoidance of double taxation.
Labour mobility was another key area, with both sides exploring government-to-government mechanisms for the transparent and orderly recruitment and employment of Bangladeshi workers in Kosovo.
The consultations also covered coordination in regional and international organisations, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and the Rohingya refugee crisis. Kosovo expressed support for Bangladesh’s efforts towards the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State in Myanmar.
Both sides agreed to hold the Third Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka in 2027.
