Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Uruguay to build on the people-to-people connectivity through sports, leading to increased bilateral engagements in different fields, including trade and business cooperation. The Chief Adviser made the call when the non-resident Uruguay Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alberto A. Guani, paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna, Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Guani emphasized that Uruguay and Bangladesh have numerous unexplored areas of cooperation, which hold tremendous potential for both countries. He praised Bangladesh for being a pioneer in social business globally. Currently, Uruguay exports wool, soybeans, and various agro products to Bangladesh. While the trade volume remains modest, its double-digit growth in recent years is remarkable.
Ambassador Guani also identified potential areas of cooperation, including agriculture, manufacturing, semiconductors, UAV/drones, satellites, and specialised technology transfer in IT. He highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity between Bangladesh and South America, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between the two nations.
Referring to the shared passion for sports, particularly football in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser stated, “Both nations have a passion for sports, especially football. We can connect on that. Let us build our cooperation in other spheres as well.” He invited the Ambassador to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh and promote them in his country.
The Chief Adviser showed enthusiasm towards renewable and clean energy cooperation, areas that Uruguay actively promotes. He suggested that Bangladesh and Uruguay could solidify relations and leverage each other’s competitive advantages, with Bangladesh offering young and energetic human resources and Uruguay facilitating technology and skills transfer.
Prof Yunus also recommended that the Ambassador engage with relevant facilitating authorities, including the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), to accelerate growth. The meeting was attended by Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDG affairs, and officials from the Chief Adviser’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others.