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Embassy of Bangladesh
Embajada de Bangladesh
Madrid
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Proposal for Holding a Seminar at Universitat Europea on

Andorra-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations and Way Forward

Andorra and Bangladesh enjoy excellent bilateral relations. There remains immense potential to expand the
cooperation further. Europe is Bangladesh’s biggest apparel export destination. For example, almost 95% of
the readymade garment and textile products of Spanish retail giants such as Inditex, Zara, Mango, H&M, etc
are sourced from Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s export to Europe is going to have a much less lead time and
cost from February this year, as a direct freight service is now in operation from Chattogram port (the major
sea port of Bangladesh) to Europe.
During an exclusive meeting between the Hon'ble Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra, His Excellency Mr. Mons
Joan-Enric Vives I Sicilia and the non-resident Ambassador of Bangladesh to Andorra, His Excellency Mr.
Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, ndc on 05 November 2021, the latter called upon Andorran business
community to enhance direct export from Bangladesh and avail themselves of the investment-friendly
policies in Bangladesh. The Embassy of Bangladesh concurrently accredited to Andorra and resident in
Madrid will be working in close engagements and collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in Andorra and
Bangladesh to diversify and enhance bilateral trade and commerce. We encourage Andorran entrepreneurs
to visit Bangladesh, explore the territories there hitherto uncharted, and seize the lucrative investment
opportunities, particularly at the Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs).
Bangladesh is a country of endless opportunity and prospects. The possibility of Andorra investing in some
promising sectors in Bangladesh, such as power, energy, shipbuilding, real estate, industrial waste
management, telecommunications, ICT and food processing industries was discussed at the meeting
between Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Andorra, Her Excellency Ms. Maria Ubach Font and His Excellency the
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Andorra last year. The two sides may also work together for signing several
important bilateral instruments in the days ahead, particularly on trade and commerce, youth and sports,
avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments, agriculture and agro-business,
cultural exchange programme and education collaboration between universities of the two countries.
It is in this context that the Embassy would like to organize a seminar at the esteemed Universitat
Europea, with the expectation that the deliberations and exchange of thoughts and ideas would strengthen
Andorra-Bangladesh bilateral relations in public sphere. A special focus of the seminar will be on enhancing
bilateral cooperation on education and culture.
Bangladesh is currently celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its independence and the 102nd Birth Centenary of
the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu ('Friend of Bengal') Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country to
independence in 1971. The political philosophy of the Founding Father of Bangladesh was to put an end to
the inhumane practice of the use of weapons and irrational warfare, and to fly the flag of humanity and
peace. He asserted, “The Bengali nation is dedicated to building a world order that would reflect the
aspirations of all people for peace and justice.” He dedicated his life to building a world free from economic
inequalities, social injustice, military aggression and plights of war. The importance of his foreign policy of
“friendship to all and malice to none” cannot be overemphasized in the context of the international security
situation. As such, the Embassy wishes to dedicate the seminar to the immortal legacy of the Founding
Father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The seminar will be part of the twin
celebrations.
The schedule of the seminar can be planned at mutual convenience and other details can be worked out
through discussion. Participants may include distinguished research fellows, international relations experts,
academicians, teachers and students, members of the diplomatic community and high government officials
of Andorra and Bangladesh. In addition to physical presence, there can be opportunity for distant
participants to be connected to the seminar online (in the form of webinar). It can be a 2-hour long
seminar, with a short pause for light refreshment (tea/coffee, snacks, etc.). The Embassy of Bangladesh
concurrently accredited to Andorra and resident in Madrid would appreciate receiving views of the esteemed
Universitat Europea regarding holding this seminar.
3 June 2022

Calle Manuel Marañón 13, 28043, Madrid, Tel:(+34) 914019932,914023085, Fax:(+34) 914029564, E-mail: mission.madrid@mofa.gov.bd, www.bangladeshembassy.es