|| Jamaica looks to deepen ties with Bangladesh through cricket, trade and culture. Says Michael Subratie, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Jamaica, in an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed and Samia Tabassum.Jamaica, an island country located in the Caribbean Sea, an estimated population of about 2.83 million people and a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of roughly $23.91 billion, looks to deepen ties with Bangladesh through cricket, trade and cultural cooperation," said Michael Subratie, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Jamaica, in an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed and Samia Tabassum.Jamaica's nominal GDP per capita is approximately $8,356 (2026 estimate), while PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) GDP per capita is around $12,283 to $13,291.Michael Subratie , Director, Musson Group of Companies and Executive Chairman, MJS Industrial & Technology Park Limited, said that Jamaica and Bangladesh have much to gain by developing closer relationships in several areas.CRICKET – A POWERFUL CONNECTION BETWEEN JAMAICA AND BANGLADESHMichael Subratie said “One of the strongest and most natural connections between our countries is undoubtedly cricket. Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean region of North America, with Kingston as its capital. Our internationally recognized cricketers represent the West Indies, a team comprising players from several Caribbean countries. Jamaica has produced some of the greatest players in cricket history, including: Courtney Walsh, the legendary fast bowler who took 519 Test wickets and subsequently served as Bangladesh's specialist bowling coach and interim head coach. Chris Gayle, one of the most explosive batsman in international cricket, famously known as the "Universe Boss. “Andre Russell, one of T20 cricket's most recognizable all-rounders. Michael Holding, the legendary fast bowler known as "Whispering Death."Marlon Samuels, who played pivotal roles in the West Indies' 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup victories. Jeff Dujon, one of the great wicketkeeper-batsmen of West Indies cricket. Jimmy Adams, former West Indies captain and respected cricket administrator.Courtney Walsh's coaching role with Bangladesh is particularly meaningful because it represents a direct and tangible connection between our countries.I believe cricket offers opportunities to build upon these existing relationships through youth development, coaching exchanges, sporting visits and closer cooperation between cricket organizations. Cricket is much more than a game in both our countries. It is a source of tremendous national pride and a wonderful bridge between cultures.” TRADE AND INVESTMENT – BUILDING PRACTICAL OPPORTUNITIESTo a question of the prospective trade between Bangladesh and Jamaica.Michael Subratie, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Jamaica said “I believe there is considerable potential, especially when we look at areas where our economies complement each other. Bangladesh has developed impressive manufacturing capabilities, particularly in garments, textiles, apparel and jute products.Jamaica has a well-established tourism industry, internationally recognized agricultural products, commercial and logistics infrastructure, and connections throughout the wider Caribbean. I see several opportunities worthy of further exploration.1. Garments, textiles and tourism merchandiseJamaica welcomes millions of visitors annually, creating demand for clothing, T-shirts, beachwear, souvenirs, uniforms, handbags and other tourism-related merchandise.Bangladeshi manufacturers could potentially supply competitively priced, high-quality products to Jamaican hotels, retailers, attractions and tourism businesses.There may also be opportunities for Jamaican designers and Bangladeshi manufacturers to collaborate on products specifically created for Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations.2. Jute and sustainable packagingBangladesh is internationally recognized for its production of jute, a natural fibre with numerous applications.Jamaica produces the world-renowned Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and other specialty agricultural products.I believe there may be opportunities to explore the use of Bangladeshi jute products for coffee bags, gift packaging, agricultural packaging and other environmentally sustainable applications.With growing international interest in sustainable products, this could become a particularly interesting area of cooperation.”To a question of wider trade opportunities, Michael Subratie, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Jamaica , Additional sectors worth examining include footwear, home furnishings, hospitality supplies, light manufacturing, selected industrial goods and specialty food products. Jamaica also has the potential to serve as an entry point for Bangladeshi companies wishing to explore markets throughout the Caribbean.Conversely, Jamaican businesses could examine opportunities to introduce products such as our world-famous coffee and other specialty goods into Bangladesh.Naturally, these possibilities would need to be evaluated commercially, considering pricing, logistics, quality, market demand and regulatory requirements.Nevertheless, I believe there is a strong case for encouraging more direct contact between businesspeople in our two countries. JAMAICA – CULTURE, TOURISM AND WORLDWIDE RECOGNITIONMichael Subratie , Director, Musson Group of Companies and Executive Chairman, MJS Industrial & Technology Park Limited, said “Although Jamaica is relatively small geographically, it has made an extraordinary contribution to global culture and sport.We are the birthplace of reggae music and the home of the legendary Bob Marley, whose music and message have inspired generations around the world.Jamaica has also achieved remarkable international success in athletics, most famously through Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder.Our country is also known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, distinctive cuisine, hospitality, tourism industry and world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.I would love to encourage greater awareness of Jamaica among Bangladeshis and, equally, greater awareness of Bangladesh among Jamaicans.There may be opportunities to develop stronger tourism relationships, cultural programmes and sporting exchanges between our countries.EDUCATION AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE RELATIONSHIPSMichael Subratie , Director, Musson Group of Companies and Executive Chairman, MJS Industrial & Technology Park Limited, said”  I believe education is another area where cooperation could be encouraged. University partnerships, student exchanges, academic collaboration, professional training and sporting development programmes could all provide opportunities to bring our people closer together.These initiatives would need to be explored with the relevant institutions, but I believe they are worthwhile areas for future discussions.Often, it is the personal relationships developed through education, sports and cultural exchanges that create the foundation for successful long-term diplomatic and commercial relationships. BANGLADESH'S ECONOMY AND INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES To a question of the economic challenges facing Bangladesh,Michael Subratie said” While I would not presume to comment in detail on Bangladesh's domestic economic affairs, I recognize the importance of expanding export markets, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship. Bangladesh has significant strengths, including an experienced manufacturing sector, an entrepreneurial population and established international commercial relationships.I am also aware that Prime Minister of Bangladesh Mr. Tarique Rahman assumed office earlier this year, and I sincerely wish Bangladesh and its people continued stability, progress and prosperity. My principal interest is identifying constructive opportunities where Jamaica and the wider Caribbean could play a role in encouraging additional economic engagement and mutually beneficial relationships.”BANGLADESHI NATIONALS IN JAMAICA AND INVESTMENTTo a question of Bangladeshis living  in Jamaica, Michael Subratie said “ I would prefer to verify the latest available official figures rather than provide an inaccurate estimate.However, I certainly believe there is scope to encourage greater people-to-people contact and business engagement between the two countries.Regarding the question about obtaining Jamaican citizenship or a passport through investment, Michael Subratie said “Jamaica does not currently operate a citizenship-by-investment passport programme. That said, Jamaica welcomes legitimate foreign investment, and there are established immigration and citizenship procedures governed by Jamaican law. I would be happy to encourage serious commercial interest and help identify the appropriate official channels for exploring investment opportunities.MY FIRST VISIT TO BANGLADESH……The honorary consul of Bangladesh in Jamaica said “Above all, I am looking forward to visiting Bangladesh and learning more about the country firsthand.Although I will be there for only one night, I hope to see some of Dhaka's important historical and cultural attractions, experience a little of everyday life and meet people who share an interest in strengthening international relationships. I hope this first visit can be the beginning of more frequent exchanges between our countries. It would certainly be my intention to return in the future for a longer visit. Our geographical distance should not prevent us from developing meaningful relationships.Cricket has already helped bring Jamaica and Bangladesh together. I believe trade, education, tourism and culture can take that relationship much further. That is the positive message I would very much like your readers to take away from our interview”.Jamaica has an estimated population of about 2.83 million people and a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of roughly $23.91 billionThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its forecast for Jamaica’s economic growth in 2027.In its October World Economic Outlook, the IMF reduced its growth projection for 2027 to 2.4 per cent, down from the 3.1 per cent forecast made in April.Meanwhile, the IMF has revised its projection for Jamaica’s real Gross Domestic Product in 2026 to zero percent growth, up from a previous forecast of 1.2 percent contraction.Jamaica’s projected growth rate of 2.4 per cent for 2027 is slightly below the 2.5 per cent forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean.According to the report, Small Island Developing States face a slower growth outlook, amidst rising energy costs, weaker tourism and lower remittance inflows