United News of Bangladesh

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The issues were discussed when Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akiko met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes. The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas. He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations. During the meeting, the Japanese Vice-Minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives. The Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence. The Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period. She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will go higher.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain had a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday and discussed a wide range of issues and ways to strengthen Dhaka's economic partnership with Beijing. The meeting was held at a time when Bangladesh and China are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. Adviser Hossain is paying the visit at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister in what is described as “very important first bilateral visit” after the formation of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus in August last year. Read: Foreign Adviser off to China on maiden visit for boosting economic ties Bangladesh sees Hossain’s maiden bilateral visit to China as a “great opportunity” to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations with Beijing giving an outline for the future cooperation. He is scheduled to return home on January 24.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari has underscored the need for promoting economic partnership as the centerpiece of Bangladesh-Nepal relations. He also shed light on the strong bilateral cooperation existing between Nepal and Bangladesh in areas including trade, transit, energy, tourism, connectivity, and education. The Nepalese Embassy hosted a reception on Wednesday evening to celebrate the National Day and Constitution Day of Nepal. Bangladesh keen to export readymade garments to Nepal, seeks collaboration to unlock opportunities The Ambassador highlighted that the day was a reminder of the moment in which political issues were settled and democratic gains institutionalized with the promulgation of the constitution in 2015.  

Bangladesh and Norway have expressed interest in broadening economic partnership through trade, investment and maritime sector cooperation. The two countries also discussed in particular the potentials for investments in offshore renewable energy. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen​ has briefed his Norwegian counterpart Annekin Huitfeldt about measures taken in building safety and green production facilities in the RMG sector. Also read:Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth in Dhaka on a 3-day visit The Norwegian Minister showed interest in the ship breaking industry and enquired about Bangladesh’s plans concerning ratifying the Hong Kong Convention. Momen held the meeting with the visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister in Dhaka on Sunday. The newly appointed Norwegian Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Bangladesh and Oman have discussed formation of a Joint Business Council as the two countries see "huge potential" for expanding economic partnership. The two sides at the first ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held virtually on Tuesday also discussed possibilities of investment in High Tech Park and economic zones of Bangladesh. Read:Pragmatic talks underway over vaccine procurement, coproduction: Ambassador Li Both sides agreed upon new areas of cooperation which includes maritime affairs, diplomatic academies, think-tanks and start-ups and desalinization. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the 12-member Bangladesh delegation including representatives from the Ministry Home Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Ambassador to Oman.  Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy led the Omani delegation.    Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen extended special thanks to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for taking good care of the Bangladesh Community in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Read:Big-B Initiative to bring more investment to Bangladesh: Shahriar Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh community to the economies of the both the countries.  While appreciating the generosity of Bangladesh for hosting 1.1 million forcefully displaced Rohingya people, he expressed Oman’s unflinching support on Rohingya issue.  Both sides agreed to work closely to address the ongoing challenges that emanated from the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda of the consultations focused on the ongoing political relations, economic cooperation, capacity building and training of Bangladeshi workforce, consular issues, and people-to-people contacts.  Read:Korea supports strengthening digital investigation capability of Bangladesh Police They agreed on the importance of health and food security in the coming days.  Both sides exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and enhance the close cooperation in the multilateral fora.   

Prime Minister's Adviser for Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman on Wednesday said Bangladesh would continue to pursue economic diplomacy proactively with neighbouring, regional and global players.

Bangladesh and India have discussed a number of issues of mutual interest including border haats and joint study for the proposed 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement' between the two countries.