United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday announced that the two nations will conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months to deepen economic and trade relations between the two friendly nations. They made the commitment during an official bilateral meeting between two leaders at the office of the Japanese Prime Minister in Tokyo. Their talks encompassed the entire gamut of the relationships between the two friendly countries, with both leaders reaffirming their abiding commitment to strategic partnership, said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba described Bangladesh as a long-standing friend and said Japan would stand by Bangladesh in its endeavour for a democratic transition. Shigeru Ishiba also paid tribute to Professor Yunus, saying Bangladesh will usher in a new era under his leadership. He also highlighted Bangladesh's importance for ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. "Bangladesh plays a critical role in regional stability ," the Japanese Prime Minister said. He said the two countries would conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of this year in an effort to boost trade and investment between the two nations. Prof Yunus hails expatriates' role in rebuilding post-uprising Bangladesh Bangladesh Chief Adviser thanked Prime Minister Ishiba for Japan's unwavering support of Bangladesh in the last 10 months after the previous regime left a shattered economy, an empty coffer and destroyed institutions. "We thank Japan for supporting the Interim Government and its reform initiatives. We seek Japan's active support and cooperation in our endeavour," he said. Professor Yunus reiterated Bangladesh's firm commitment to a vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific for the shared prosperity of all. "Bangladesh is ready to forge partnership and cooperation with Japan to ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation, sustainable use and management of marine resources, promote enhanced connectivity, and combat transnational organised crimes in the Indo-Pacific," the Chief Adviser said.

Bangladesh has launched a negotiation formally with South Korea on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in an effort to open a broader window for economic cooperation between the two countries. "The Council of Advisers has been informed about the launching of the negotiation. We hope these negotiation will end soon," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters while briefing at Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday afternoon. He said South Korea which has developed into one of Asia's most affluent countries with rapid development may emerge as a big market for Bangladesh once the EPA is done. The issue was discussed at the meeting of Council of Advisers held on Tuesday with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Alam said Bangladesh is looking for a greater market going beyond the European and American markets. Read: Tarique expresses solidarity with people of South Korea in quest for democracy The Press Secretary said the government wants to explore new markets as part of its efforts to diversify the economy. “We want new markets that include South Korea.” South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik laid emphasis on taking bold steps for stronger ties, eyeing the next 50 years journey together with Bangladesh. "Let's renew our commitment to each other and take a bold step forward for a closer, deeper, stronger, and brighter future," he said. Bangladesh and South Korea cherished their close ties for the past 50 years, and the South Korean envoy hoped that everyone would join hands to start the next 50-year journey in the friendship between Korea and Bangladesh. Over the last 5 decades, the two countries have witnessed a remarkable journey of cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, development, and people-to-people exchanges. He said the government is also in discussion with Japan, which has the world's third-largest economy, on a similar kind of EPA for stronger economic cooperation. Earlier, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan would significantly boost trade potential between the two countries, opening new opportunities for Bangladesh. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the media briefing.