Govt plans labour market diversification beyond Gulf countries: Mahdi Amin

Bangladesh plans to diversify its overseas labour markets beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by expanding into Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and other potential destinations, Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin said today (3 September).

"Market diversification and expansion should be the first policy intervention. Not only the GCC, but Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and other countries are also potential destinations," he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue titled "Future of Bangladesh's Workforce and Economic Engagement with the GCC (Middle East) Region," organised by ARISE Bangladesh Foundation at a city hotel.

Mahdi said the government is focusing on three key areas to strengthen overseas employment: market diversification, skills development and third-language proficiency.

"Language skills are a very vital issue. That is why we are focusing on language skills as well," he said.

"We have clear guidelines. The government is working to prepare our youth for the future job market, both at home and abroad," he added.

ASM Aman Ullah, vice-chancellor of the National University, said around 7 lakh graduates enter the labour market from the university each year, with most being semi-skilled or unskilled.

"We are committed to producing at least 2 lakh skilled graduates each year, primarily for the international labour market," he said.

He said North American countries are seeking allied health professionals from Bangladesh.

"If the National University gets the mandate, we could produce at least 100,000 such health professionals," he added.

Fahim Mashrur, CEO of Bdjobs.com, suggested introducing short-term skills development programmes tailored to specific overseas job markets.

Kanij Fatima, executive director of ARISE Bangladesh Foundation, said construction, tourism, IT and renewable energy would be among the sectors driving transformation in the GCC over the coming decade.