State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today invited Lithuanian investors to invest in Bangladesh’s agro-processing, renewable energy, information technology, cybersecurity and waste management sectors.

She made the call during a meeting with Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas at her office here, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.  

Shama highlighted Bangladesh’s investment opportunities and encouraged Lithuanian businesses to explore emerging sectors where the two countries could build mutually beneficial partnerships.

She also stressed the need to diversify bilateral trade and urged Lithuania to import more Bangladeshi products, including pharmaceuticals, biodegradable jute and jute goods, leather and leather products, agro-products, furniture and plastic goods.

The state minister recalled that Bangladesh and Lithuania established diplomatic relations in 1992 and said both countries should work to broaden their longstanding ties.

She said the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is pursuing a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy approach aimed at advancing the country’s national interests through wider international engagement.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in education, demographic dividends, manpower and employment opportunities, human mobility and migration, visa facilitation, women’s empowerment, sports and culture.

They also exchanged views on strengthening engagement in regional and international organizations.

Shama placed emphasis on expanding soft diplomacy and enhancing cooperation in information technology through exchanges of knowledge, experience and expertise.

The two sides discussed possible cooperation on environmental degradation and climate change, energy security and food security.

They also stressed the importance of high-level visits, exchanges of business delegations and stronger collaboration between business chambers of the two countries.

Both sides underscored greater youth and student exchanges, visits by cultural troupes and sports teams, tourism cooperation and closer people-to-people contacts.

They expressed the view that stronger connectivity and expanded interaction could help unlock untapped potential in Bangladesh-Lithuania relations.