French President Emmanuel Macron announced in Dhaka a series of historic agreements between France and Bangladesh, marked by the sale of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft. This French presidential visit is the first in over 30 years.
During a historic press conference held in Dhaka, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed a series of bilateral agreements that significantly strengthen the relationship between France and Bangladesh. Among the major announcements, the sale of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft to the South Asian nation was hailed as a show of confidence in the European aerospace industry.
President Macron described this decision as a “vote of confidence in European aviation,” emphasizing the significance of this commitment for both nations. This transaction demonstrates the mutual commitment to supporting the aerospace industry and boosting the economies of both countries.
In addition to the aviation deal, Macron highlighted several other areas of collaboration between France and Bangladesh. He stressed the importance of sharing democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights as essential elements for sustainable development.
A “community of strategic views” The French President also mentioned a “community of strategic views” between the two nations and expressed their shared determination to resist external pressures while defending the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of their partners. He reiterated France’s commitment to sustainable alternatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is worth noting that Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Bangladesh marks a historic turning point, being the first official visit by a French president to this country in over 30 years. It underscores the growing importance of relations between the two nations.
Modest Investments… Trade between France and Bangladesh experienced impressive growth in 2022, reaching €4.92 billion, an increase of 49% compared to the previous year. France primarily imports Bangladeshi products, including clothing and textile industry products, while Bangladesh imports engines, textile machinery, pharmaceutical products, and pesticides from France.
Despite this growth in trade, French investments in Bangladesh remain modest, with an investment stock of $119 million as of June 2021, primarily in the energy and services sectors.
