Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and proposed signing trade and economic agreements to strengthen ties with Bangladesh, highlighting the textile sector as a natural starting point for cooperation. The two leaders discussed sending a Kosovan trade delegation to Dhaka so businesses can meet, explore partnerships and see local factories and supply chains firsthand. Osmani thanked Bangladesh for its early recognition of Kosovo and pointed to recent economic progress that has lifted growth and public confidence. She noted that more Bangladeshi nationals are working in Kosovo and praised their contribution to local services and businesses. The presence of Bangladeshi workers led the meeting to address safe and orderly migration, a topic that Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said could be handled through a formal Memorandum of Understanding on recruitment. Dr Nazrul explained that an MoU would protect workers, clarify legal pathways, and help employers recruit fairly and reliably. Prof Yunus welcomed the proposals, invited President Osmani to visit Bangladesh, and backed youth exchange programs to build people-to-people links and practical skills. Senior Secretary and SDG affairs coordinator Lamiya Morshed also attended and spoke about government support that could help firms benefit from any new agreements. The meeting focused on practical steps such as trade missions, textile collaboration, worker recruitment rules and regular exchange programs that can support small firms and young entrepreneurs. Observers said a trade delegation can speed up deals by letting buyers and suppliers inspect capabilities, meet partners and agree on joint projects. An MoU on recruitment can reduce paperwork, protect wages and improve monitoring of workplace standards, they added. The emphasis on textiles reflects Bangladesh’s strength in that industry and Kosovo’s interest in new sourcing ties, but speakers also noted chances in services, skills exchanges and small investment projects. Proposed youth programs could help students and early-career workers gain practical experience, build networks and bring new ideas back to local markets. Officials agreed to follow up with more detailed talks, plan visits and invite business groups to prepare proposals and study tours so that practical cooperation can begin quickly. The meeting showed how focused conversations on trade, migration and people-to-people links can lead to concrete steps when leaders and advisers agree on next actions. Both sides left the discussion optimistic that steady, practical progress could create jobs, protect workers and boost trade between Kosovo and Bangladesh in a friendly, non-political way. Business leaders welcomed the idea and also said clear timelines, regular meetings and small pilot projects would help test the partnerships and build trust before larger deals are signed, keeping the pace steady and benefits practical for workers and firms.
