DHAKA, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) - Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has called on the international community to provide stronger financial and resource support to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) so it can better assist the industrialization needs of the global south.

Bangladesh is participating in the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 23-27, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this evening. 

The theme of this year's conference is "Global Industrial Summit 2025." The Foreign Secretary is leading the Bangladesh delegation.

In his statement, Siam highlighted the growing challenges faced by countries like Bangladesh in major export markets, including limited market access, insufficient technology transfer, and additional regulatory requirements that hinder industrial growth and the ability to move up the global value chain.

He cautioned that without easing tariff and non-tariff barriers, key development goals such as poverty reduction, employment creation and progression within the manufacturing sector will remain difficult for many developing nations to achieve.

The Foreign Secretary also appreciated UNIDO's cooperation with its member states in areas such as environmental sustainability, climate resilience, waste management and circular economy initiatives and expressed gratitude for the organization's continued support to Bangladesh.