High Commissioner to Bangladesh

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Julia Niblett as Australia's next High Commissioner to the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Australia was one of the first nations to recognise Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Today, our two countries enjoy strong people-to-people links, particularly in sports and education. More than 5,000 Bangladeshi students studied in Australia last year, and over the next 12 months, more than 80 Australian students will study in Bangladesh under the New Colombo Plan.

Trade and investment between our countries continues to increase, particularly in the agriculture, energy and ready-made garment sectors. Our two-way trade is currently worth $1.7 billion annually.

Australia supports Bangladesh with significant aid investments in primary education and skills development. We are also enhancing our cooperation on shared security challenges, including counter-terrorism and people smuggling.

Ms Niblett is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously held the positions of Assistant Secretary in South-East Asia Maritime Bilateral Branch; Mekong, Philippines and Myanmar Development Branch; and Asia Strategies and Partnerships Branch in the former AusAID. Ms Niblett was also posted to Bangkok, Paris and Manila with the Immigration Department.

Ms Niblett holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma of International Law from the Australian National University.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Greg Wilcock for his strong contribution in advancing Australia's interests in Bangladesh since 2012.