‎Bangladesh seeks spl privilege in Finland after LDC graduation ‎

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Staff Correspondent: Bangladesh has sought special privilege and GSP+ treatment in the Finish market after post-least developed country (LDC) transition.
‎Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam said this when non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lähdevirta paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday morning.
‎During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles. The Secretary congratulated the Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration.
‎The Finnish Ambassador reiterated that Finland is very happy to watch the democratic transition of Bangladesh. Secretary Dr. Islam shed light on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, alongside a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. He also lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming national elections.
‎The Ambassador expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Dr. Islam also invited the Ambassador to visit the EPZs to get firsthand experience on production facilities, business operations and above all, the investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
‎Bangladesh exported goods worth 36 million US dollars (36276976.4 US dollars) to Finland during July-June period of the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to the data of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).   
‎Bangladesh exported goods worth 18 million US dollars (18619766.59 US dollars) to Finland during July-December period of the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to the data of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).   
‎Finland's population is around 5.6 million, with recent figures showing slight growth, reaching about 5.6 million by late 2023 and estimated around 5.62 million in 2026, largely influenced by immigration, particularly from Ukraine.
‎Finland's GDP per capita varies slightly by source and year, but recent estimates hover around $53,000 - $56,000 USD (nominal) and higher for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), with projections for 2025/2026 suggesting figures around $59,000-$66,000 USD (PPP), making it a high-income nation with strong economic output per person.