(BSS) - State Minister for Expatriates` Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur today said the government is prioritizing to develop skilled manpower for overseas employment.

"Growing competition in the global labor market has made it increasingly difficult to achieve desired results by sending unskilled workers abroad. So, the government is prioritizing skills development and training programmes to ensure better overseas employment," he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, the state minister made the remarks while addressing the Migrants` Conference-2026, held at the Ministry of Expatriates` Welfare and Overseas Employment in the capital.

He said there are currently 104 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) across the country, offering training in 58 trades.

"However, all centres do not offer equal facilities, with some facing infrastructural shortages while others are experiencing a lack of trainees," he said.

Training facilities would be improved further in areas where demand exists, he added.

"Building a skilled workforce would further strengthen the country`s position in the international labour market and increase expatriate income contributing to the country`s economic advancement," he said.

"We want to send skilled and trained manpower abroad so that they can secure better jobs and bring higher remittances for the country," he said.

The state minister said initiatives are being taken to explore new labour markets considering the current situation in the Middle East and other regions.

The conference was organized by the Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP).

Representatives of various local and international organizations and institutions along with returned migrant workers, were present at the event, among others.