Staff Correspondent

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Uruguay to build on the people-to-people connectivity through sports, leading to increase 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.

Ambassador Guani told the Chief Adviser that Uruguay and Bangladesh have many areas of cooperation unexplored, which can hold tremendous potential for the two countries.

"It is commendable Bangladesh being the pioneer to the world in social business", he said.

Uruguay currently exports wool, soybeans, and agro products, among other items, to Bangladesh. While the amount remains modest, the double-digit growth in the trade volume in recent years is quite phenomenal.

Ambassador Guani also identified agriculture, manufacturing, semiconductors, UAV/drones, satellites, and specialised technology transfer in IT, among others, as potential areas of cooperation.

The ambassador highlighted more on connectivity between Bangladesh and South America and emphasised bridging the gap between the two countries.

Referring to the popular passion for sports, particularly football in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser said, "Both the nations have a passion for sports, especially football. We can connect on that. Let us build our cooperation in other spheres as well."

The Chief Adviser invited the Ambassador to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh to promote in his country.

He also showed his enthusiasm towards renewable and clean energy cooperation that Uruguay promotes.

He suggested that Bangladesh and Uruguay may solidify relations and take benefit of each other’s competitive advantage, Bangladesh supporting Uruguay with young and energetic human resources and Uruguay facilitating Bangladesh with technology and skills.

Prof Yunus also suggested the ambassador may engage with the relevant facilitating authorities, including BIDA to accelerate growth.

Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDG affairs, and officials of the Chief Adviser’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others, were present at the meeting.