Eswatini and Bangladesh are exploring opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade, investment, industrial development and climate change cooperation.
This emerged during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed, held on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
The meeting, which was also attended by Dr Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Environment and Climate Change, provided an opportunity for the two countries to identify areas of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation in addressing shared development and environmental challenges.
One of the key areas discussed was the potential of jute as a sustainable alternative to plastic. The natural plant fibre can be processed into a range of products, including clothing, bags and other consumer goods, presenting opportunities for industrial development and investment.
The two sides recognised the potential for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and investment in the jute sector, particularly as countries increasingly seek environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic products.
Climate change also featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries acknowledging the common challenges posed by floods and droughts. They emphasised the importance of sharing experiences, technical knowledge and innovative approaches to strengthen climate resilience and improve their capacity to respond to environmental pressures.
Electronic waste management was another area identified for possible cooperation, with discussions highlighting the need to develop sustainable solutions for handling the growing environmental challenge associated with discarded electronic equipment.
Prime Minister Dlamini also outlined Eswatini’s efforts to achieve greater energy independence, stressing the importance of strengthening national energy security and pursuing sustainable energy solutions.
The engagement forms part of Eswatini’s diplomatic and economic outreach at COP31, where climate discussions are also creating opportunities for countries to build partnerships that support investment, technology transfer and sustainable development.
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