Switzerland to support Bangladesh in developing skilled workforce

Dhaka: Switzerland has expressed its willingness to support Bangladesh in developing a skilled and internationally competitive workforce, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cooperation on skills development, safe migration, and migrant reintegration.

The assurance came during a courtesy meeting between Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury at the ministry in Dhaka on June 28, said a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland and thanked the Swiss government for its continued support in promoting skills development and strengthening safe migration management.

Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, the minister said many Bangladeshi migrant workers have been affected and forced to return home. He stressed the need to ensure their economic rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and social protection.

He also appreciated Switzerland's support, provided through the International Labour Organization (ILO), for the reintegration of returning migrant workers and hoped the cooperation would continue.

The minister thanked Switzerland for providing technical assistance to develop Bangladesh's Overseas Employment Platform (OEP), saying the system has made the country's migration management more modern, transparent, and efficient.

He requested further Swiss technical support to strengthen the platform by improving labor demand management, integrating medical centers, upgrading the job portal, and launching a dedicated mobile application.

Referring to his responsibilities for both the expatriates' welfare and labor sectors, Ariful said the government is giving top priority to safe workplaces, workers' welfare, social protection, and skills development. He called for enhanced collaboration with Switzerland in technical and vocational education and training, citing the country's global reputation in the field.

The minister said Bangladesh's young workforce could contribute significantly to Switzerland's specialized sectors, including healthcare, caregiving, information technology, engineering, hospitality, and construction. He also sought the ambassador's support in expanding scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students and researchers.

Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed said the Bangladeshi diaspora in Switzerland holds significant potential and could play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Ambassador Renggli reaffirmed the close cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland over the past 15 years and underscored the importance of ensuring the economic and social reintegration of returning migrant workers.

Highlighting Bangladesh's demographic dividend, the ambassador said overseas employment remains important, but generating sufficient jobs within the country is even more effective in harnessing the country's human resource potential.

He assured the minister that Switzerland is keen to share its long experience in technical and vocational training to help Bangladesh develop a skilled workforce that meets international standards.