Bangladesh should see Ireland as a friend in EU: Irish Minister

Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney has said Bangladesh will get Ireland as a friend in the European Union (EU) and the two countries are willing to build a "closer and more structured cooperation" in broader areas, reports UNB.

"What I would say is that Bangladesh should see Ireland as a friend in the European Union that can raise issues for them, potentially work with them and if they're trying to work through some difficult issues with the European Commission," he told the news agency in an exclusive interview before wrapping up his two-day official visit to Dhaka this week.

The Irish minister said Bangladesh is going to receive a transition period from 2026 to 2029, and then Bangladesh will be looking for GSP plus status, which effectively is sort of preferential status in terms of tariffs and trade opportunities.

"So, I think the EU is open to that. Of course, there will be some conditions that the EU will want from Bangladesh as well, in relation to, you know, what the EU would regard as important - modernisation around labour laws, workers rights, environmental issues. That's normal for the EU. It's for every country," Coveney said.

He said they always try to push environmental improvements and working conditions and labour improvements. But I think all of that is very doable."

During a meeting with Coveney Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Ireland's support in Bangladesh's efforts to enjoy the preferential trade facilities in the EU market until 2032 instead of 2029 during the country's post-graduation period.

Responding to a question, the Irish minister said he spoke with the prime minister a little bit about the areas where Ireland and Bangladesh could be partners.