Bangladesh seeks closer Australia ties on labour mobility

Bangladesh has sought closer cooperation with Australia on labor mobility, vocational training and developing skilled caregivers for overseas employment.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the request during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at his office in Dhaka on September 8.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral and multilateral issues, including trade, investment, energy and labor mobility, as well as regional and global matters, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The State Minister particularly sought greater cooperation between Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and Bangladesh’s Technical Training Centers (TTCs).

He also called for cooperation in training Bangladeshi caregivers, which could help develop a skilled workforce for international labour markets.

The Australian High Commissioner reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for Bangladesh in vocational training and health-related areas, according to the release.

The two sides also discussed the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Kobir praised Australia’s continued support in addressing the crisis and expressed hope that the two countries would continue working together towards a sustainable solution.

Ryle said Australia would continue supporting Bangladesh in resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis. She also noted that Australia and Bangladesh are closely cooperating at the United Nations and other international forums.