Foreign-Affairs
Exports to China can grow with extension of duty-free access to 380-plus new products
The extension of duty-free treatment to 98% of tariff lines will help Bangladesh to further increase its exports to China, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said Tuesday.
A tariff line is World Trade Organization-jargon for a product as defined in lists of tariff rates.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his recent visit to Bangladesh, announced that the duty-free treatment of 98% of goods in the different tariff lines originating from Bangladesh will take into effect on September 1.
This will further help to boost Bangladesh’s export to China, said the Embassy. But what if the new products added to the list find no demand in China? That is why some perusal of the new tariff lines, and just how many the 1% rise represents, is important.
China had been providing duty-free facility to 97 percent of Bangladeshi products, including all garment products, since July 1, 2021. We now know that 383 new products, including leather items, have been added to the list now, thereby expanding the benefit to 98 percent of the products.
Read: Bangladesh-China ties promoting common prosperity, shared benefits: Beijing
Here the Chinese side are keen to point to the addition of leather products from Bangladesh that will now enjoy duty free access to the huge Chinese market. Several kinds of basic leather products added into the 98% zero-tariff lines are "good news" to Bangladeshi exporters in the leather industry, which the Chinese have been really playing up as an industry with huge potential in Bangladesh..
Businessmen in the leather industry have already been focusing on the opportunity provided by the duty-free treatment, according to the Chinese Embassy.
Programs are even underway to facilitate Chinese manufacturing enterprises related to leather products to form business relations with Bangladesh’s leather exporters, it said.
Bangladesh has many high-quality agricultural, livestock and fishery products too, many of which have been added to the list.
For example, China said, the national fish of Bangladesh, the hilsa, is among both the 97% and the 98% zero tariff lines, and has already acquired the inspection and quarantine access to the Chinese market.
Bangladesh’s mango, jackfruit, guave, honey, and beef are all listed as duty free products in both the 97% and the 98% tariff lines.
Varied by different categories of tariff lines, compared with duty-free treatment on 97% tariff lines, there are several hundred products now added to the list in getting to the 98%,
Some of these are agricultural products, crude oil of groundnut, crude cotton-seed oil, liquid crystal display panel, paper product, saloon cars and chemicals, are all included, said the Chinese Embassy.
Manpower export to Malaysia resumes after four-year gap
Malaysia on Tuesday resumed recruitment of manpower from Bangladesh after a long pause of four years as the first batch of Bangladeshi workers reached Kuala Lumpur.
A flight of Air Asia carrying 53 Bangladeshi workers landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 5:22am, said the High Commission of Bangladesh in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Golam Sarwar welcomed them at the airport and expressed satisfaction over the resumption of workers recruitment.
Bangladesh expects that around five lakh workers will get employment opportunities in Malaysia within the next three years.
The High Commission of Bangladesh said the remittance inflows from Malaysia will exceed USD 3 billion with the recruitment of new five lakh workers.
Read: Bangladesh, Malaysia reaffirm commitment for further strengthening ties
The workers were employed in a Malaysian food processing industry Jimat Jaya.
According to the new salary scale of the Malaysian government, they will get a salary of at least Tk 37,000 per month.
Besides, they will be provided with overtime, free accommodation, health insurance, work accident insurance and other benefits as applicable under Malaysian law.
High Commissioner Golam Sarwar expressed his gratitude to all the Bangladeshi and Malaysian colleagues for the resumption of recruitment of Bangladeshi workers.
Minister of Labor Wing of High Commission Najmus Sadat Salim along with officials of Human Resources Observatory of Malaysia and journalists from both countries were present at the airport.
In 2018, the then Malaysian government shut the door of his country’s labour market to workers from Bangladesh for alleged irregularities by hiring agencies in both countries.
At the centre of the latest dispute is that the Malaysian government wants the recruitment to be done by a selected group of 25 Bangladeshi agencies. Dhaka rejects the idea as it will leave out many mostly smaller agencies (over 1,500) out of the process and business.
Bangladesh mission in Washington observes birth anniversary of Bangamata
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC has observed the 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recalling Bangamata's great sacrifice and dedication to her family, society and the nation.
The Embassy organised different programmes at the Bangabandhu Auditorium on the occasion on Monday.
Messages from the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion were read out by Defence Attaché Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam and Minister (Political) Dewan Ali Ashraf.
Later, a discussion session was held, which was presided over by M Shahidul Islam, Ambassdor of Bangladesh to the United States, and participated by Senior Secretary of the Defence Ministry of Bangladesh Golam Md Hashibul Alam as the guest of honor.
Read:Cultural organisations observe Bangamata’s 92nd birth anniversary
Defence Secretary Hashibul Alam paid tributes to Bangamata and remembered Bangamata’s role as the life partner of the Father of the Nation, as well as her contribution to the liberation struggle of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Islam highlighted Bangamata's tremendous sacrifice and dedication to her family, society and nation as well as her influence in the life of Bangabandhu, and her behind-the-scene but pivotal role in determining the course of the history of Bangladesh.
Eminent journalist and newscaster Roquia Haidar, Deputy Chief of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar and Counsellor Arifa Rahman Ruma also spoke on the occasion.
Counsellor and Head of Chancery Md Mahmudul Islam conducted the programmes.
After the discussion, a documentary on the life and works of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib was screened.
A special prayer was offered, seeking eternal peace for departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, their family members, and others martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975.
Earlier, the Defence Secretary and the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib to pay their homage. Senior officers of the Embassy were present on the occasion.
2 Bangladesh nationals receive honorary British awards
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson has presented the insignia of honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Tanazzeena Qureshi and of the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Linus Pradip Gomes.
The honours were presented at a ceremony held at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka on Monday.
Tanazzeena Qureshi received the honorary MBE for her exemplary service to the Department for Work and Pensions team in the British High Commission in Bangladesh, ensuring that UK pensions and benefits are correctly paid to those in Bangladesh who are entitled to receive them.
Linus Pradip Gomes made an outstanding contribution as Butler for more than 30 years at the Residence of the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, ensuring the success of high level entertainment and the comfort of the Residence’s many guests.
British High Commissioner Dickson said he is delighted to present these awards to Tanazzeena Qureshi and Linus Pradip Gomes on behalf of the Queen.
"They have been two of our finest colleagues in their contribution to promoting British interests in Bangladesh. I congratulate them on their achievements and wish them all the very best," he said.
Ambassador Muhith briefs Security Council as Chair of Peacebuilding Commission
Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith has briefed the Security Council at its high-level open debate on “Peace and Security in Africa: Capacity Building for sustaining peace”, in his capacity as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Ambassador Muhith thanked the Security Council for inviting the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and referred to the support extended by the PBC in discussing and strengthening the peacebuilding priorities of Africa. He shared PBC's past and ongoing engagements in various countries and regions in building capacities in the areas of sustainable development, transitional justice, women's equal participation in socio-economic and political process, empowerment of youth and accompanying the regional and sub-regional peacebuilding initiatives.
The Chair called for increased partnerships with international and regional financial organizations and promoting south-south cooperation to build effective, accountable, inclusive and responsive institutions at the national and local levels in Africa.
He highlighted the important role of African Union and other regional and sub regional organizations and expressed PBC’s commitment to working more closely with the African Union and its Peace and Security Council.
The important role of civil society in building the capacity in Africa was also recognized, according to a media release.
Ambassador Muhith also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Peacebuilding Fund in supporting peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Africa.
The PBC Chair also reiterated PBC’s call for adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for peacebuilding. The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is a 31-member intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries.
Ambassador Muhith is the present Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York.
US lauds Bangladesh’s success in COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring food security
US Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Ambassador Michele J. Sison has praised Bangladesh’s tremendous success in countrywide COVID-19 vaccination and ensuring food security.
She also praised Bangladesh’s contributions in peacekeeping operations (PKO), particularly women’s participation in the PKOs.
During her meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday, she also discussed the upcoming elections in the multilateral fora.
"The United States and Bangladesh share common interests on the most challenging global issues, and we will continue to collaborate closely," said the US Embassy on Tuesday as Sison wrapped up her visit.
Beijing looks to build ties with Dhaka on principle of non-interference
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed that the principle of non-interference in internal affairs is the "golden rule" for state-to-state relations and the "magic tool" for developing countries to safeguard their sovereignty and security.
"We appreciate those countries for their understanding and support for China's position," said the Chinese Foreign Ministry in a media release.
As unilateral bullying acts happen from time to time in today's world, the international community should reach an even clearer consensus and speak even louder, so as to jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and international law, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all developing countries, said media release circulated by the Chinese Embassy here on Monday.
The world needs China’s strength and voice, and Bangladesh will stand firmly with China, China said highlighting discussions between the two Foreign Ministers.
Read: Chinese FM Wang Yi due in Dhaka Saturday to boost cooperation
Some countries do not want to see developing countries grow and become strong, and do everything possible to create various obstacles, according to a media release on the meeting between Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held on Sunday.
The two sides agreed on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, economic and industrial parks, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, to expand cooperation in local currency settlement, 5G and clean energy.
Wang Yi announced that China's grant of zero-tariff treatment for 98 percent of taxable items of Bangladeshi products exported to China will officially take effect on September 1.
China welcomes more superior products from Bangladesh to the Chinese market, the media release reads.
Bangladesh expects to strengthen the alignment and cooperation between the "Sonar Bangla" dream and the Belt and Road Initiative, to speed up the achievement of Bangladesh's vision and goals, it said.
Dhaka condemns attack on civilians in Gaza, Al Aqsa Mosque
Bangladesh has condemned the violent attack against civilians including women and children in Gaza and Al Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli forces which has invoked concern around the world.
In a statement issued on Monday, Bangladesh expressed deep concern and urged the international community to take sustained measures to end such kind of heinous attacks in the occupied territories.
Also read: Gaza truce faces early test as clashes break out again at Al Aqsa
"Bangladesh firmly supports the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine for a sovereign and independent homeland and reaffirms its position in favor of establishing an independent state of Palestine on the basis of two-state solution," said statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Bangladesh receives more doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from US
The US government has donated another 1.5 million pediatric doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh via COVAX to help the government of Bangladesh expand vaccination coverage to protect children ages 5-11 for the very first time.
This delivery marks the second shipment of US-donated vaccines for young children this week and brings the total number of all US vaccine donations to over 75 million doses, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.
More than two-thirds of all international COVID-19 vaccine donations to Bangladesh have come from the United States and the American people.
Also read: Covid-19 vaccine consignment for kids arrive in Dhaka
The United States continues to work closely with Bangladesh to support every facet of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, according to the US Embassy.
This includes training to over 51,000 healthcare providers and other workers on safely administering vaccines to support Bangladesh’s COVID-19 vaccination roll out across 64 districts.
The United States has also donated 18 freezer vans, 750 freezer units, and 8,000 vaccine carriers and helped transport 57 million doses of vaccines to remote areas – for direct administration of 47 million vaccinations.
In Bangladesh, the United States has contributed more than $140 million in COVID-19 related development and humanitarian assistance, said the US Embassy.
Also read: Bangladesh gets another 4 mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine from US
Globally, the United States has donated $4 billion to support the COVAX effort, which includes support for ultra-cold chain storage, transportation, and safe handling of COVID-19 vaccines, making the United States the world’s largest donor for equitable global COVID-19 vaccine access.
Dhaka seeks Washington’s support in Rohingya case with ICJ
Bangladesh has urged the United States to extend their support regarding the Rohingya case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague brought by The Gambia under the genocide convention.
Bangladesh also thanked the US side as it has decided to extend their support to the Rohingyas now living in Bhasan Char.
“We thank them (US side) as they will extend their support to the Bhasan Char,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy while briefing about his discussion with US Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele J. Sison on Monday.
He said Bangladesh also thanked the US side recalling that they (US) in March determined members of the Myanmar military committed “genocide and crimes against humanity” against Rohingya following a rigorous factual and legal analysis.
“The issue of third country resettlement also came up in the discussion,” said the foreign secretary.
He said Bangladesh reiterated that repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State in a safe and dignified manner would be the key solution.
Read: Bangladesh receives more doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from US
Foreign secretary Masud said Bangladesh does not subscribe to any idea of long-term hosting of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and urged the international community to focus on their immediate safe return to Myanmar.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the ruling by the ICJ in The Hague on July 22, rejecting Myanmar’s preliminary objections to the case brought by The Gambia under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention).
Responding to a question on elite force Rab, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh keeps working for withdrawal of sanctions on Rab following their legal process.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and other officials are scheduled to attend the third United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit at the UN headquarters in New York on August 31-September 1.
Asked whether he will face any visa related problem due to US sanctions, the foreign secretary said they are yet to communicate and will try to know beforehand, noting that there are some exceptions.
Read: ASEAN Dhaka Committee celebrates 55th ASEAN Day
He said they are discussing the loopholes and any inconsistency in the Digital Security Act (DSA) for its further improvement in terms of application so that no one faces any problem.
Masud said they discussed multilateral issues to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas including food security, health and human rights issues and discussed events during the high-level week of the UNGA.
He said the US side was very amazed to see vaccination of such a large number of people in Bangladesh and the US side is keen to do an event on Covid front.
Sison said the US is committed to strengthening cooperation for the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh.
She said discussion on cooperation and coordination with UN agencies in Bangladesh is critical to this effort.
Sison arrived here on Saturday evening as part of her tri-nation visit (India, Bangladesh and Kuwait) for consultations on a range of US multilateral priorities, including combating food insecurity, advancing global health, addressing human rights and humanitarian needs, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and support for Rohingya refugees.
Her meetings with senior government officials focused on opportunities to deepen their cooperation at the United Nations, and US support for the candidacy of Doreen Bogdan-Martin to become the next Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union.
The US Assistant Secretary exchanged ideas on how the United States and other countries can collaborate on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She has already visited India and will go to Kuwait from Dhaka as part of her tri-nation visit that will end on August 10.