Economic cooperation
PM Hasina writes back to Biden
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has written back to US President Joe Biden.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud handed over a copy of the letter to Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC), Eileen Laubacher on Sunday.
It is a response to the letter sent by the US President to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.
Bangladesh Ambassador to USA, Muhammad Imran, will hand over the original copy of the letter to White House.
The Foreign Minister has said that they want a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh.
“We want to begin a new chapter of relations with them,” he said, adding that the nations will benefit through strengthening the relations.
Eileen Laubacher led an inter-agency US delegation during her meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Read: PM's daughter Putul thanks Joe Biden for 'warm hospitality'
The USAID’s Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer, the US Department of States Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter, and CDA of the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave were present at the meeting.
Besides, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Muhammad Imran and Director General of Foreign Ministry’s North America Wing Khandker Masudul Alam and other officials from the ministry were present.
The discussions centred around exploring new avenues to deepening the existing relationship. Economic cooperation, trade and investment, Rohingya humanitarian response, climate change, and energy were in focus during the meeting.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast position in favour of peace and against any form of war.
He asked for US to use its leverage to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Read: PM Hasina greets new US President Joe Biden
Hasan also hoped for the Russia-Ukraine war to end.
The extradition of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer Rashed Chowdhury from the US was also discussed.
He also asked for the withdrawal of the US sanction on RAB.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh’s economic goals. He also expressed willingness to partnering with Bangladesh on the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the US-Bangladesh partnership, Biden said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more.
Read more: Fakhrul showers praises on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris
“We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship,” the US President wrote to PM Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security
Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are considering signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction at the record-breaking bilateral trade of $6.4 billion in 2022-23 and $561 million FDI from the UK, the highest from any country in 2022, Bangladesh and the UK agreed to create new institutional cooperation to promote business, trade and investments.
The issues were discussed at the 5th Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Dhaka on September 12.
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The Dialogue, led respectively by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton, reviewed the entire gamut of historic relations between the two Commonwealth nations, including political, economic, security and defence, migration and mobility, climate and development partnerships.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton commended the remarkable socio-economic progress and resilient economic growth achieved by Bangladesh over the past decade.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary commended the UK’s sustained market-access support to Bangladesh as its 3rd largest export destination and urged for its extension until 2029 and beyond following Bangladesh’s scheduled LDC graduation in 2026.
Both sides also agreed to explore signing of an MoU on cooperation in cybersecurity.
They acknowledged their long-standing value-based ties since 1971 and recalled the historic visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to London on January 8, 1972.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in the State Funeral of UK’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and the historic royal coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Bangladesh side expressed hope that King Charles III would reschedule his postponed visit to Bangladesh at his earliest convenience, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed on enhancing migration and mobility cooperation especially in gainful employment in the nursing, hospitality, agricultural, construction and masonry and other services sectors in the UK.
Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
Both sides agreed to constitute a ‘Joint Working Group’ to discuss migration, mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications.
They also agreed to sign an SoP on returns of Bangladeshi nationals in irregular situation in the UK.
Bangladesh thanked the UK Government for a significant increase in issuance of student, visit and business visas in 2022.
The two sides also discussed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Recalling the Climate Accord signed between Bangladesh and the UK in March this year, both sides expressed their determination to cooperate in climate action bilaterally and multilaterally.
They also agreed to sign a Joint Action Plan with time-bound activities under the Climate Accord towards a net-zero and nature-positive world.
The Bangladesh side expressed commitment to forge ahead with its national targets under SDG 16 for building a just, peaceful and inclusive society.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation and capacity building on global and regional security issues of mutual interest including maritime and aviation safety and security in the Indian Ocean as well as countering extremist and terrorist outfits.
The UK commended Bangladesh’s leading contribution to world peace under UN peacekeeping missions, especially praising one of the highest contributions of female peacekeepers by Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday
The two countries expressed satisfaction at the First Defence Dialogue held in 2022 and agreed to sign an MoU on defence cooperation during the 2nd Dialogue in London.
The UK appreciated Bangladesh’s generous hosting of Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh appreciated UK’s humanitarian and political support to the Rohingya crisis including at the UN Security Council and Commonwealth.
Both sides expressed concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis and reaffirmed commitment to working closely towards a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
Emphasizing the importance of international accountability of the atrocities committed on the Rohingyas, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary thanked the UK for joining the Rohingya justice case at the ICJ.
The UK side welcomed Bangladesh’s recently announced ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’.
Both sides agreed to forge new partnerships towards ensuring a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific for shared prosperity.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed to intensify cooperation in different regional and multilateral fora including at the UN, Commonwealth, IMO and IORA.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke joined their respective delegations along with representatives from various ministries and agencies of the two countries.
The next round of Strategic Dialogue is expected to be held in London in 2024.
Economic cooperation needed among countries in South and Southeast Asia: PM tells outgoing Korean envoy
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 16, 2023) called for economic cooperation among the countries in South and Southeast Asia for mutual benefits of the people in the regions.
The prime minister said this while outgoing Ambassador of Republic of Korea, Lee Jang-keun, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said that PM Hasina admired South Korea’s success in transforming into a developed country within a generation.
Also Read: PM delivers 4-point recommendations at 79th UNESCAP Session
She mentioned that this success inspired Bangladesh in its endeavour to steer the nation towards development and prosperity.
The PM recalled her two visits to South Korea, saying that during the second visit she witnessed the amazing development there.
While highly appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the outgoing ambassador expressed deep appreciation for extensive cooperation and hospitality demonstrated by the PM and Bangladeshis during his tenure in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Lee shared with the Prime Minister recent milestone development in relations between Korea and Bangladesh in multiple areas such as trade, official development assistance, expatriate workers and investment in the year of 50th anniversary of South Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic ties in 2023, the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka said.
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Ambassador Lee explained that the trade between South Korea and Bangladesh crossed the $3 billion mark in 2022 and $2 billion in 2021 for the first time, which was stagnant at around $1.5-1.8 billion over a decade before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh-Turkiye Business Forum launched to usher in new era of economic cooperation
With an aim to promote bilateral relations, the Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum (BTBF) was officially launched on Tuesday paving the way for a new era in trade and investment between the two countries.
“This is an important occasion for us because our countries are building another bridge through this business forum,” said outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan.
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman spoke at the event as the chief guest which began with brief classical music at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka.
An hour before the launching event at the Embassy, Ambassador Turan together with the BTBF leaders opened the office of BTBF at “Marina Mansion” at city’s Gulshan-2.
Read more: Robust leadership, political trust fortified Dhaka-Ankara economic, defence ties: Turan
Honorary Consul General of Türkiye in Chattogram and co-chairman of BTBF Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group and BTBF chairperson Dr. Rubana Huq and CEO of United AYGAZ LPG Ltd and BTBF Secretary Ercument Polat spoke at the event.
Opportunities abound to boost Dhaka-Bangkok economic cooperation: Thai foreign ministry official
Under the sustainable economic development model of Bangladesh and the bio-circular-green economy model of Thailand, there are ample opportunities to step up economic cooperation between the countries, Sarun Charoensuwan, deputy permanent secretary of the Thai foreign ministry, said Friday.
He was speaking at a seminar on trade and investment opportunities organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to mark the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Thailand.
Maleka Parveen, chargé d'affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok, also spoke at the programme.
Read: Thailand now offering 10-year visa: Who are eligible?
She stressed the importance of the exchange of business delegations. She hoped that through this seminar, the businessmen and investors of the two countries would be able to learn more about the sector-based benefits and opportunities provided by the governments of Bangladesh and Thailand.
Representatives from academia, the Board of Investment of Thailand, Thai investors in Bangladesh, the Thai Halal Food Manufacturers and Exporters Association and representatives of Thai public and private sectors participated in the event.
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Md Ariful Haque, director of the International Investment Development Division of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, joined the session online.
He focused on the investment opportunities and prospects for Thai investors in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, Indonesia for concluding bilateral PTA for strengthening economic cooperation
Bangladesh and Indonesia have stressed on concluding the bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA) for further strengthening the economic cooperation between the two countries.
Bangladesh and Indonesia held a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Monday and discussed the issue.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi led the respective delegation in the discussions.
The meeting reviewed the whole gamut of the existing excellent bilateral relations and both sides renewed their commitment for further strengthening it.
The two Foreign Ministers exchanged felicitations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Dhaka urges Tashkent to accelerate signing of bilateral economic cooperation deals
Bangladesh has requested Uzbekistan to expedite the proposed MoUs and agreements pending with Uzbek side as the two countries want enhanced bilateral relationship on economic, commercial, trade and other spheres.
The request came at the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting between the two countries held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan on Monday.
Both sides also discussed introduction of direct flight between Dhaka and Tashkent, avoidance of double taxation, visa waiver agreement for official and diplomatic passport holders, exchange of visit in the field of general and education.
The Bangladesh side was led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, while Uzbek side was led by Deputy Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan Furkat Ahmedovich Sidikov., according to a message received here.
Bangladesh urged the Uzbek side for creating good investment opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan.
Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporting country in the world after China, the delegation told the Uzbek side.
Bangladesh also exports pharmaceuticals to 137 countries in the world.
If business and industry friendly situation is created in Uzbekistan, investors from Bangladesh can come forward with their investment plans in Uzbekistan, said the Bangladesh side in the FOC.
Natural gas of Uzbekistan can be of great help for investment in the field of industries.
Bangladesh foreign secretary also requested his Uzbek counterpart to set up Uzbekistan Embassy in Dhaka.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to sign a "Programme of Cooperation" for the year 2022-2023 between the two countries which was proposed by Uzbek side.
This Program of Cooperation will allow Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and University of World Economy and Diplomacy to start cooperation in the field of education, sharing information and communication technology and consular consultation.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam, Director General (EE & CIS) S. Bodiruzzaman, Minister of the Embassy Nripendra Chandra Debnath, Director of Foreign Secretary’s Office Md Jubayed Hosen were present from Bangladesh side while Oybek Eshonov, Director General (Department for Cooperation with South Asia, Near, Middle East and African countries) and J. Rajabov, Head of Division (Treaty-Law Department) were present from Uzbek side.
The next FCO meeting will be held in 2023 in Dhaka.
Keen to strengthen defence, economic cooperation with Bangladesh: Australian PM
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said they look forward to strengthening their defence and economic cooperation with Bangladesh.
"Australia and Bangladesh stand fast in our resolve to build a more secure, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific," said the Australian Prime Minister in a message marking the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries that falls on January 31.
He said the two countries also look forward to working towards their shared recovery from the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read:Bangladesh a country with international outlook: Australian envoy
On behalf of all Australians, the Australian Prime Minister sent warm greetings to the government and the people of Bangladesh as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
"Australia is a long-standing friend of Bangladesh. Our enduring partnership extends back to our early recognition of Bangladesh's independence and the opening of our mission in Dhaka on 31 January 1972," he said.
Half a century on, Morrison said, people of the two countries continue to enjoy warm and friendly ties - built on mutual respect, community links and our shared democratic values.
"Of course, our people also have a love of sport; a passion that brings our competitive spirit to the fore most notably on the cricket field. I am confident we are going to see this sporting rivalry develop further in the years ahead, as Bangladesh continue to make their mark in world cricket," he said, adding that they look forward to welcoming Bangladesh to Australia for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup later this year.
The Australia-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement will be important as they chart a new course, he said.
Read:Bangladesh achieves extraordinary, sustained economic growth
This agreement will energise and expand business relationship, strengthening jobs and creating business opportunities in both countries, said the Australian Prime Minister.
"On behalf of the Australian Government, I join with the people of Bangladesh in celebrating our special history and relationship. With such enormous goodwill between us, I hold much hope for the years ahead," he said.
D-8: Dhaka calls for addressing inequalities through proactive efforts
Bangladesh has said the D-8 has the responsibility to not only deal with intra-regional inequalities but also global ones through pro-active deliberations and associations.
Secretary (West and ICT) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury made the observation while inaugurating the 44th Session of the D-8 Commission.
Bangladesh, as the current Chair of Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), hosted the two-day 44th Session of the D-8 Commission meeting that ended on Tuesday in Dhaka.
Also read: Intra-D-8 trade: Transport connectivity gets focus in Summit
Chaired by the D-8 Commissioner of Bangladesh and Director General (International Organizations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Wahida Ahmed, the meeting was attended by the D-8 Secretary-General Ku Jaafar Bin Ku Shaari and Commissioners/delegates of the D-8 Member States.
The meeting focused on issues related to the six priority areas of cooperation of D-8- trade, agriculture, food security, industrial cooperation, energy and minerals, transportation and tourism.
In his welcome remarks, the D-8 Secretary-General urged the D-8 Commissioners to focus and work on the implementation of the currently available mechanisms of the Organization such as the PTA and Visa and Customs agreements.
The Chairperson, and D-8 Commissioner of Bangladesh briefed the meeting about the lucrative incentives offered by the Government of Bangladesh to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and invited the meeting to invest in Bangladesh.
The Commission welcomed her proposal to host the inaugural meeting of the relevant authorities of the Member States on the D-8 Special Economic Zones in 2022 in Bangladesh.
The D-8 Commissioners reviewed the concept note drafted by Bangladesh on forming a Working Group to tackle the economic adversities of COVID-19 pandemic among the D-8 Member States, and committed to come up with pragmatic proposals to boost the vulnerable sectors under this adhoc Working Group.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the current Chair of the D-8.
Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together
She assumed the Chairmanship of the D-8 from the President of Turkey on April 8, 2021 at the 10th D-8 Summit.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development co-operation among the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Bimstec offers huge prospects for economic cooperation: Dhaka
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam on Sunday said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) has huge prospects for economic cooperation as much its potentials are still unexplored and unexploited.