Switzerland keen to help develop Bangladesh's skilled workforce

Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 28 (CNI): Switzerland is interested in working with Bangladesh to develop a skilled, internationally competitive workforce by drawing on its extensive expertise in vocational education and training, Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli said on Sunday.

The ambassador made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury at the ministry in Dhaka.

Renggli reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and close cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland, highlighting the strong bilateral partnership that has developed over the past 15 years.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the economic and social reintegration of Bangladeshi migrant workers who return home after working abroad.

Referring to Bangladesh's demographic dividend, the ambassador said overseas migration remains an important avenue for employment, but creating sufficient job opportunities within the country is even more effective in harnessing the country's human resource potential.

The minister said Bangladesh and Switzerland have enjoyed a long-standing relationship based on friendship and cooperation.

He appreciated Switzerland's continued support for Bangladesh's overall development, skills enhancement and safe migration management.

Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said many Bangladeshi migrant workers have been affected and forced to return home.

"Ensuring the rehabilitation, employment and social protection of returning migrant workers has become a priority," he said.

The minister praised Switzerland's assistance through the International Labour Organization (ILO) in supporting returning migrants and expressed hope that the cooperation would continue.

He also thanked Switzerland for providing technical assistance in developing the Overseas Employment Platform (OEP), saying the platform has made Bangladesh's migration management system more modern, transparent and efficient.

He sought further Swiss support to strengthen the platform through improved labour demand management, integration of medical centres, enhancement of the job portal and the launch of a dedicated mobile application.

Highlighting the government's priorities in the labour sector, the minister said the current administration is giving top priority to safe working conditions, workers' welfare, social protection and skills development.

He said Bangladesh is expanding technical and vocational training programmes to produce skilled workers capable of meeting the demands of global industries.

Recalling Switzerland's international reputation for excellence in technical education and vocational training, the minister called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in these sectors.

He said Bangladesh's greatest strength lies in its young and productive workforce, adding that skilled Bangladeshi professionals could make significant contributions to Switzerland's healthcare, caregiving, information technology, engineering, hospitality and construction sectors.

The minister also requested the ambassador's support in expanding scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students and researchers in Switzerland.

During the meeting, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Mokhter Ahmed said the Bangladeshi diaspora in Switzerland represents a valuable asset and could play a greater role in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, Switzerland's Regional Adviser for Migration and Protection Lisa Greminger, Regional Programme Manager Nazia Haider, and senior officials from both sides also attended the meeting.