Diplomatic Desk:
Bangladesh and Kenya have reached a consensus to strengthen cooperation across various sectors and expedite the finalization of pending agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Both nations have placed particular emphasis on fostering mutual collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), defense, climate change, the blue economy, and healthcare.
These matters were discussed during the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Kenya, held in Dhaka on Wednesday (October 14, 2026). The meeting, which took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, was led on the Bangladeshi side by Dr. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Kenyan delegation was led by Ambassador Josaphat Maikara, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The meeting reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations since the second round of consultations, held in Nairobi in July 2024. Furthermore, detailed discussions were held on various issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agriculture, ICT, defense, climate change, the blue economy, culture, sports, and the enhancement of people-to-people ties.
Both sides agreed to expedite the finalization of pending agreements and MoUs in areas such as the avoidance of double taxation, the promotion and protection of investments, cooperation in the blue economy, and contract-based agricultural production. It is expected that the implementation of these initiatives will further expand business relations between the two countries and create new opportunities for investment.
During the discussions, Bangladesh highlighted its production and export capabilities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, light engineering products, jute and jute-based goods, and agricultural commodities. Meanwhile, the Kenyan side expressed interest in the quality and affordability of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products. At the same time, encouragement was given to increase investments by Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies in Kenya.
During the meeting, Kenya expressed interest in exporting high-quality coffee, legumes, cotton, and processed meat to Bangladesh. This could create new opportunities for expanding trade and diversifying markets between the two nations.
Furthermore, Kenya announced that it would soon establish a resident diplomatic mission in Dhaka. This initiative to strengthen diplomatic presence is expected to facilitate regular communication, commercial ties, and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Both nations also agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral forums. It was decided to enhance mutual collaboration within the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)—an alliance of countries in the Indian Ocean region—as well as to encourage the exchange of high-level visits.
The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and Kenya is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in October 2028.
