CA seeks stronger economic ties with Kosovo

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for Kosovan investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s Economic Zones and called for stronger engagement between the countries’ chambers of commerce to boost trade.

The call came during a courtesy meeting with Lulzim Pllana, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed Ambassador Lulzim Pllana during his maiden visit and extended heartfelt congratulations on his new appointment.

Reflecting on the historic “July Uprising” in Bangladesh, Yunus drew parallels with Kosovo’s own struggle for sovereignty, praising its people for their unwavering commitment to freedom and peace.

Ambassador Pllana, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for Bangladesh’s early recognition of Kosovo as an independent state and acknowledged the vital support provided by Grameen Kosovo in rebuilding post-war communities.

“We consider Bangladesh a valuable partner,” said Pllana. “The Grameen Trust’s initiative has been instrumental in our recovery. We are also thankful to Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers for their significant role during the post-conflict period.”

Established in 1999, Grameen Kosovo; implemented by Bangladesh’s Grameen Trust, has grown into the leading microcredit provider in the country, reaching 219 villages and 20 municipalities, with 97% of borrowers being women.

Recalling the early days of Grameen’s work in Kosovo, Professor Yunus said, “It was a devastated place when we arrived; no currency, no banks and men had not yet returned. We had to build the system from the ground up.”

They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly through enhanced trade and investment.

Professor Yunus identified several sectors with high potential for collaboration, including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, jute products, processed foods and light engineering.

On expanding people-to-people connectivity, Professor Yunus encouraged Kosovo to recruit more Bangladeshi workers and increase enrolment of Bangladeshi students in its universities.

He proposed offering scholarships, fellowships and academic grants to further educational cooperation.

Ambassador Pllana echoed the importance of stronger business and academic ties, signalling a new chapter in the growing partnership between the two nations.