Bangladesh seeks Singapore technology cooperation to modernise postal and logistics sector

Bangladesh wants to strengthen technological cooperation with Singapore to modernise the country's postal and logistics sector, expand digital payments and increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in government services.

To that end, discussions were held on cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including expanding e-commerce, parcel delivery and integrated logistics services by using the Postal Department's existing network.

On Monday (2 November), Derek Loh, Singapore's non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and for Science and Technology. The meeting discussed the possibility of working jointly on AI, digital payments, telecommunications, postal services and the development of the logistics sector.

At the meeting, the minister said technological transformation and the effective use of artificial intelligence are now demands of the time, and that Singapore's experience and innovative capacity in these areas could be of use to Bangladesh.

The minister said initiatives are being taken to connect the country's extensive post office network, through modernisation, with e-commerce, parcel transport and integrated logistics services. Alongside that, he said importance must be given to introducing digital payments in government services, ensuring transparency in revenue collection, and using AI in healthcare and administrative activities.

For his part, Singapore High Commissioner Derek Loh expressed interest in cooperating in the development of Bangladesh's technology and logistics sectors. He said there is an opportunity to expand parcel transport and e-commerce services by using Bangladesh's existing postal infrastructure.

Derek Loh also said the two countries could exchange experience in healthcare, biomedical technology and the use of artificial intelligence. He noted that building young people up with modern technological skills is essential to meet the changing demands of the world market, and that Singapore is interested in exchanging technological knowledge and experience with Bangladesh in this area.

At the meeting, both sides agreed on the possibilities of mutual cooperation in AI, skilled human resource development and the digital economy. It was discussed that joint initiatives in these areas could play a role in further expanding the existing relationship between the two countries.

The Singapore High Commission's Charge d'Affaires Philip Wong, desk officer Mrithini Tijitritharan and Enterprise Singapore's Development Partner for South Asia Benjamin Chu were present at the courtesy call.