3rd Spain-Bangladesh Expo in Seville to kick off 5-day visit; creative economy and investment on agenda in LondonDiplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh is making a fresh push to deepen its economic and cultural footprint in Europe, as State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP undertakes an official visit to Spain and the United Kingdom from 26 to 30 October 2026.The five-day tour is being seen as a significant step in Dhaka’s evolving economic diplomacy, where trade, investment and cultural outreach are being positioned as twin pillars of foreign policy.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will begin in Seville, Spain, where Ms. Islam will inaugurate the 3rd Spain-Bangladesh Expo 2026 on 26 October.Organised by the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI), this year’s expo is themed “Stronger Partnership, Shared Prosperity” - a message that reflects Dhaka’s intent to move beyond traditional development cooperation towards a partnership-driven model.The expo is expected to bring Bangladeshi exporters face-to-face with Spanish manufacturers, importers and investors. Sources said the focus will be on diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket beyond readymade garments, and attracting Spanish investment in sectors like agro-processing, light engineering, renewable energy, and logistics.“Spain is a gateway to the EU and Latin America. We want to position Bangladesh as a competitive sourcing and investment destination,” a senior official involved in the preparation told this newspaper.After completing her engagements in Spain, the State Minister will travel to the United Kingdom on 29-30 October.While economic issues will remain on the table, the London leg will put special emphasis on cultural diplomacy. Ms. Islam is scheduled to meet dignitaries and stakeholders to explore cooperation in trade, investment, business, tourism, skills development and cultural exchange.Officials said the UK programme will focus on three priorities: promoting Bangladeshi art and culture on a global platform, forging international cultural partnerships, and exploring new opportunities for Bangladesh’s growing creative economy.The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to attract quality foreign direct investment, expand market access in Europe, and leverage its soft power - from music and films to crafts and cuisine - as a tool of diplomacy.The back-to-back visits to Seville and London, analysts say, signal a calibrated approach: using economic fairs to secure business outcomes, and cultural outreach to build long-term goodwill.“This reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding cultural cooperation with European partners,” the ministry said.The State Minister is expected to return to Dhaka on 31 October.