Last December, Bangladesh hosted both the annual Australia-Bangladesh Senior Officials' Talks (SOTs) and the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Joint Working Group meeting.
These 2 events provide an opportunity for Australia and Bangladeshi officials to discuss ways to strengthen and progress the bilateral partnership. Agenda items included trade and investment; development; migration; multilateral cooperation; climate resilience; and institutional linkages.
Austrade was represented by Mukund Narayanamurti, General Manager South Asia. This was the first time that Austrade was present at the talks, reflecting the growing importance of the Australia-Bangladesh economic relationship and Austrade's commitment to supporting Australian businesses in-market.
A fast-growing trading partner
Bangladesh is Australia's 22nd largest export destination. As one of Australia's fastest-growing trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh's economic transformation is creating new opportunities for Australian businesses.
At the 2 talks, Austrade highlighted where Australia can support Bangladesh's economic transition, with a focus on:
- natural fibres (cotton and wool)
- renewable energy solutions
- education and skills development
- broader business and investment collaboration.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce described the bilateral trade relationship as 'phenomenal' and acknowledged Australia's role in supporting Bangladesh's economic development.
Mukund Narayanamurti, General Manager South Asia, discusses ways in which Australia can support Bangladesh's economic transition.
Increasing private sector engagement
One of TIFA's core objectives is to increase Australia's private sector participation in Bangladesh's growth.
To further that goal, Austrade has increased engagement with United Group, one of Bangladesh's largest conglomerates. Mr Narayanamurti visited United Group's headquarters to discuss opportunities aligned to Bangladesh's development priorities, including renewable energy solutions, agricultural commodities, infrastructure and investment partnerships.
'Bangladesh's rapid economic growth and diversification potential present exciting opportunities for Australian businesses,' says Mr Narayanamurti. 'Our engagement at SOTs and TIFA reflects Austrade's commitment to building Australia's business engagement in this dynamic market.'
Austrade has a long-running Taste of Australia campaign promoting Australian foods in Unimart, United Group's premier retail chain. More integrated, senior-level corporate partnerships with the conglomerate are underway to create a pipeline of larger and more sustained commercial opportunities.
Strengthening education links
Alongside the official bilateral meetings, Austrade brought together key education stakeholders to maintain momentum in Australia's number one export sector in Bangladesh. As of October 2025, Bangladesh has reached the top 6 of Australia's international education markets.
The networking high tea brought together Australian university representatives, English-medium school leaders, Bangladeshi private university leaders, and education agents.
Discussions focused on growing demand for Australian higher education in Bangladesh, and the potential for a transnational education partnership.
Opportunities to build trade and education ties
Stronger bilateral engagement with Bangladesh remains a priority for the Australian Government. Opportunities to strengthen engagement include:
- new collaboration opportunities emerging in renewable energy, skills development and digital security
- continued emphasis on agribusiness and international education, including in-country transnational education partnerships to support the development of the education sector
- exploring the expanding textile manufacturing sector in Bangladesh as a key growth market for Australian cotton exports - and a strategic diversification opportunity for wool.
Australia is a trusted partner in Bangladesh's economic transition, with commercial opportunities emerging across priority sectors. Austrade's increasing corporate engagement is building a pipeline for Australian capability in-market.
