Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the 3rd Bangladesh-Spain Expo 2026 in Seville, Spain today. The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Spain, Minister of Andalusian Government, Senators, local representatives and businessmen were also present during the inauguration. Around 40 Bangladeshi and Spanish firms representing diverse sectors including the ready-made garments, leather, agro-processing, jute products, chemicals, household items, showcased their respective products to attract the attention of the business community of both the countries. Apart from that, financial and logistical support for businesses was also highlighted during the Expo.

In her remarks, the State Minister appreciated the initiative of the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in bringing together business communities and creating opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing and commercial engagement. She also acknowledged the contributions of the late President Ziaur Rahman and late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the development of Bangladesh’s vibrant ready-made garment sector. The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to diversify exports, attract foreign investment and foster a more business friendly environment. She drew attention to emerging opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear, agro-processing, information technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Referring to Bangladesh’s golden fibre, jute, she underscored its potential in the growing global market for sustainable materials, including innovative applications in contemporary fashion, design and environmentally friendly consumer products. She also highlighted the potential of the creative economy, including design, fashion and cultural industries, to foster innovation, generate employment. The State Minister also encouraged Spanish entrepreneurs and investors to explore Bangladesh’s growing market and manufacturing capabilities.

The one-day Expo is expected to strengthen Bangladesh-Spain trade and investment ties by fostering closer engagement between the business communities of both countries, promoting export diversification in the Spanish market, and opening new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, the creative economy and sustainable production.

She expressed the hope that the Expo would foster closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries and open up opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, the creative economy and sustainable production.

This one day event is expected to furthering momentum of the Bangladesh-Spain trade and investment, where Bangladesh is expected to step up in export diversification in Spanish market in particular with highlighting opportunities to expand business links and explore new avenues of economic cooperation