Bangladesh News Bangladesh Foreign Affairs

Isa Khan · Sep 15, 2021

Bangladesh will provide food, lifesaving medicine and other essential medical supplies for averting any possible humanitarian catastrophe in conflict-torn Afghanistan, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen in a UN ministerial meeting on the matter on Tuesday.

The United Nations organised the meeting both in person in Geneva and on virtual platforms in the context of the Taliban’s seizure of power in Afganistan after the departure of the armed forces of the US and its allies from that country.

Peace in Afghanistan is vital for stability in South Asia, Momen said in his video message, adding that there should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned initiatives for sustainable solutions to resolve the crisis in that country.

One in three people in Afghanistan are hungry and most of the children are malnourished, he said.

Expressing Bangladesh’s intent to join in the UN-initiated aid process to the country, the foreign minister said that Bangladesh would also engage in health care, child health, sanitation, and agriculture and information communication sectors in Afghanistan.

UN secretary general António Guterres and foreign ministers of several countries, including S Jaishankar of India, also took part in the five-hour-long meeting.

Three BRAC international employees, who were stranded in Afghanistan, returned home on Tuesday and six other Bangladesh nationals are set to return on Wednesday, foreign ministry secretary Mashfee Binte Shams said on Tuesday.

With their return, the number of the returnees from Afganistan will rise to 23 while 7 others, including four members of the Tablighi Jamaat, have opted to continue to stay in Afghanistan for now, she added.

Bangladesh to give food, medicine to Afghanistan, says FM

Bangladesh will provide food, lifesaving medicine and other essential medical supplies for averting any possible humanitarian catastrophe in conflict-torn Afghanistan, said foreign minister AK Abdul...

www.newagebd.net

Isa Khan · Sep 17, 2021

Spain has expressed its interest to give financial assistance to the ship-building sector in Bangladesh.

Spanish Ambassador Francisco De Asis Benitez Salas expressed his country's interest in this regard as he met State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury at the latter's office at the secretariat here today, a press release said.

The envoy said that Spain is keen to invest in the collection of 'River Clean Vessel' to prevent river pollution and clean up garbage. During the meeting, they also discussed issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

The state minister said that Spain has experience in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors. The government has collected dredgers for the purpose of digging 10,000 kilometer (km) of waterways, he said, adding that Spain's assistance will be available in the collection of state-of-the-art copper and hopper dredgers.

Bangladesh and Spain will do elections in the 'C' and 'B' categories of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) respectively. In the election, the state minister and the ambassador expressed support for their respective countries.

Spain keen to give assistance to Bangladesh's ship-building sector

Spain has expressed its interest to give financial assistance to the ship-building sector in Bangladesh. Spanish Ambassador Francisco De Asis Benitez Salas expressed his country's interest in this regard as he met State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury at the latter's…

m.theindependentbd.com

Isa Khan · Sep 18, 2021

Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment advisor to prime minister, has requested Saudi Arabia to give duty-free export facility for 137 Bangladeshi products to reduce trade deficit between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia can import halal meat from Bangladesh along with the products it currently imports from here, said Salman F Rahman during a virtual meeting with Dr Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, commerce minister of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

Currently Saudi Arabia imports readymade garments, leather goods, plastic products, frozen fish, medicine from Bangladesh.

At present, the trade between the two countries amounts to $1.3 billion, said prime minister's advisor.

At the meeting, Salman F Rahman also called for accelerating the trade activities between the two countries by assessing the memorandum of understanding signed in 2018, when the Saudi commerce minister and finance minister visited Bangladesh.

He proposed forming a working committee for taking effective measures regarding the memorandum of understanding.

The prime minister's advisor also said If Saudi Arabia wants, Bangladesh is ready to provide special facilities for the Saudi investors by setting up economic zones for them.

When Salman F Rahman urged Al Qasabi to take steps regarding the proposed agreement on private public partnership between the two countries, the Saudi commerce minister assured him of taking necessary measures soon.

The Saudi commerce minister also gave a positive response when Salman F Rahman requested for investment in Bangladesh under the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Salman F Rahman invited Saudi Arabia to invest in constructing a railway between Dhaka and the Payra port and developing Cox's Bazar as a tourist site of international standard.

Referring to the Anti-Concealment Law aiming to provide a legal system for the emigrants' business in Saudi Arabia, Salman F Rahman urged the Saudi commerce minister to assist the emigrant Bangladeshi businessmen who are doing business in Saudi Arabia. Al Qasabi assured him of giving all sorts assistance in this regard.

Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary, Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was present at the virtual meeting organised at the Embassy of Bangladesh, Riyadh, said a press release.

Md Sirazul Islam, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, and Sultana Afroza, chief executive officer of Public Private Partnership Authority Bangladesh, among others, were present at the meeting.

Salman F Rahman along with senior government officials and a team of businesspersons arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Bangladesh seeks duty-free access for 137 products to Saudi Arabia

Currently Saudi Arabia imports readymade garments, leather goods, plastic products, frozen fish, medicine from Bangladesh

tbsnews.net

Isa Khan · Sep 19, 2021

Bangladesh's exports to Bhutan could rise on the back of the bilateral trade pact signed last year after shipment to the South Asian nation has already shown a significant upward trend.

Bangladesh struck its maiden preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bhutan on December 6 last year.

The country was chosen for the first such bilateral agreement out of respect as Bhutan was the first nation to recognise newly independent Bangladesh in 1971.

The agreement allows duty-free export of 100 goods and import of 34.

The beneficiary Bangladeshi products are garments, processed agricultural goods and electronics, while that of Bhutan are fruits and stone.

The eligible export-oriented items include baby clothes and clothing accessories, men's trousers and shorts, jackets and blazers, jute and jute goods, leather and leather goods, dry cell batteries, fans, watches, potatoes, condensed milk, cement, toothbrush, plywood, particle board, mineral and carbonated water, green tea and orange, pineapple, and guava juice.

The items that will get duty-free imports include oranges, apples, ginger, fruit juice, milk, natural honey, wheat or meslin flour, homogenised preparations of jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, food preparations of soybeans, mineral water, wheat bran, quartzite, cement clinker, limestone, wooden particle boards, and furniture.

The deal, albeit only 10 months old, has proven worthy as merchandise shipments have grown significantly recently.

In the fiscal year of 2020-21, earnings from merchandise shipments to Bhutan stood at $6.89 million, a 58.03 per cent rise from $4.36 million a year ago, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau.

The two-way trade balance is in favour of Bhutan as Bangladesh imports a lot of fruits and stones.

Experts say the signing of the PTA was a good beginning as the country is negotiating trade pacts with major trading partners in order to ensure duty benefits once Bangladesh graduates from the grouping of the least-developed countries in 2026.

However, Kamruzzaman Kamal, director for marketing at Pran-RFL Group, the leading processed food exporter in Bangladesh, said his company had not been enjoying the duty benefit under the PTA.

"So, we are still facing the previous duty of 10 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on products," he said.

Still, though, the company's exports to Bhutan increased nearly 50 per cent year-on-year.

Most of Pran-RFL Group's products, such as fruit juice, yoghurt, candy and flavoured drinks, face a 30 per cent duty on exports to Bhutan.

The edible oil faces the highest duty of 100 per cent, Kamal said, adding that his company shipped Tk 40 crore worth of goods in the last fiscal year.

Kamal went on to say that before the onset of Covid-19, exports to Bhutan were insignificant. Despite the ongoing pandemic and lockdowns, shipments to the South Asian nation have grown steadily.

Khurshid Ahmad, general manager for international marketing of Bombay Sweets & Co. Ltd, says the export of goods like crisps and savoury snacks to Bhutan has increased.

However, over the last few months, the shipment of goods has been slow because of recurrent lockdowns in Bhutan, he added.

Noor Md Mahbubul Haque, additional secretary of the commerce ministry's free trade agreement wing, says nobody has complained about not enjoying the duty benefit to Bhutan under the PTA as the agreement has been in effect since its signing.

"If an exporter does not enjoy the benefit, they should contact us. They should bring it to our notice so that we can investigate and take measures through consultations and negotiations."

He said the ministry would hold talks with Bhutan if needed, but the aggrieved needed first to bring it to the ministry's notice.

Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, vice-president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also said none had lodged any complaint with the apex trade body.

Rizwan Rahman, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for carrying out a survey to see if anyone faced any issues in exporting to Bhutan.

The duty structure for garment items was like it was previously, said Shahidullah Azim, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

Bangladesh exported nearly $0.32 million worth of garment items to Bhutan in the last fiscal year.

"Since the market is not that big, it is not a major target destination for apparel exporters," said Azim.

Exports to Bhutan go up as trade agreement kicks in

Bangladesh’s exports to Bhutan could rise on the back of the bilateral trade pact signed last year after shipment to the South Asian nation has already shown a significant upward trend.

www.thedailystar.net

Isa Khan · Sep 20, 2021

https://www.facebook.com/rusembdhaka/posts/4281388488635350

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Monday sought cooperation from Russia over direct product export to the Russian market and minimising complications regarding customs duties.

The minister came up with the remarks during a meeting with Russian ambassador Alexander V Mantytskiy at the secretariat in the morning.

Russia and Bangladesh have huge possibilities to expand trade and commerce between the countries which are being hindered by the complications over the custom duties.

"We have specified the complications and are trying to resolve them. Bangladesh will be able to export a large number of goods including readymade garments to Russia after resolving the obstacles." he said.

Russia's sincere cooperation is necessary for direct import of readymade garments in the Russian market, he added.

Bangladesh is interested to increase export in Eurasian Economic Union and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries as well, Munshi said.

Meanwhile, Mantytskiy, in response said that the Russian government is very keen to resolve ongoing complications regarding the trade and commerce between the two countries.

"Russia wants to assist Bangladesh for the latter's development," he said.

In fiscal year 2020-21, Bangladesh exported goods worth $665.31 million to Russia.

Secretary of the Commerce Ministry, Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Additional Secretary, Md Hafizur Rahman, Nur Md Mahbubul Haque and other top officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh solicits Russia's assistance for direct export of goods to its market

The commerce minister made the call at a meeting with the newly appointed Russian ambassador to Bangladesh at the ministry

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Isa Khan · Sep 21, 2021

Noting that Bangladesh has an investment-friendly climate, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih on Sunday said there is potential for more Saudi investment in Bangladesh.

During a meeting with Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – now on a visit to the gulf country, the Saudi minister also stressed the importance of signing cooperation agreements or memoranda of understanding on specialised economic zone-based investments, says a press release issued on Monday.

Salman F Rahman apprised the Saudi minister of the steps undertaken by the current government to attract foreign investment. He also proposed to set up a special economic zone for Saudi investors as committed by the prime minister.

The Saudi investment minister welcomed Bangladesh's proposal.

Salman F Rahman made a request to the Saudi minister to finalise the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at creating opportunities for Saudi investment in the public-private partnership arrangement.

If the MoU is signed, the opportunities for Saudi investment in various sectors including different infrastructures of Bangladesh would be widened, the adviser said.

Al-Falih informed Salman F Rahman that the draft MOU is in its final phase and expressed hope that it would be signed soon.

Attaching high importance on exchanging business delegations between the two countries, Adviser Rahman invited the Saudi minister to attend the international investment summit to be held in Bangladesh on November 28 and 29, which was cordially accepted by the minister.

Earlier on the day, Adviser Rahman called on Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser. At the meeting, he appealed for Saudi investment in the construction of the rail track from Dhaka to Payra seaport.

A MOU could be signed between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to increase cooperation in the transport sector, he added.

Potential areas such as skills exchange, training and cooperation could be explored under this MoU, the adviser said.

The Saudi transport minister assured him of all possible cooperation from his ministry.

Salman F Rahman also held a meeting with the delegation of Riyadh Chamber of Commerce on Sunday.

Saudi-Bangladesh relations have reached a new height after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official visit to Saudi Arabia from 2016 to 2019, he observed during the event.

New doors of trade and investment have been opened with Bangladesh, he added.

He further said that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring all sorts of cooperation for Saudi investors on a priority basis.

The advisor mentioned that there is immense scope for increasing bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and investment in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh currently has a trade volume of 1.3 billion dollars with Saudi Arabia and he further stressed on increasing the trade relations.

Noting that Bangladesh has a huge domestic market, the adviser said Bangladesh is still enjoying the GSP privilege in the European market which is allowing Bangladesh to have an edge in export earnings.

He emphasised the importance of bilateral visits and meetings between the two countries' chamber officials to enhance mutual cooperation.

He requested Saudi Arabia to increase collaboration with small and medium enterprises in Bangladesh.

In addition, the Saudi Federation of Chambers expressed its interest in the adviser's proposal for amending the MoU signed between the two countries' chambers of commerce in 2005 to make it more convenient.

Saudi companies present at the meeting, who have investment in Bangladesh, expressed their satisfaction with the investment climate in Bangladesh.

Dr Mohammad Jabed Patwari, Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was present at the meetings of Salman F Rahman.

Md Sirazul Islam, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, and Sultana Afroza, chief executive officer (secretary) of the Public Private Partnership Authority Bangladesh, among others, were present at the meetings.

Business representatives from Bangladesh also attended the meeting with the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.

Saudi Arabia keen to invest more in Bangladesh

During a meeting with the PM’s private sector investment adviser Salman F Rahman in Riyadh on Sunday, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih praised Bangladesh’s invest-friendly climate

tbsnews.net

Isa Khan · Sep 21, 2021

The Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday completed disbursement of the $200-million bailout fund to cash crisis-hit Sri Lanka amid a deepening foreign reserve crisis in the country.

The disbursement was fully executed to the island nation at a time when the country announced a state of emergency over food shortage, instigating Sri Lankan central bank governor Weligamage Don Lakshman to step down over his failure to resolve the forex reserve crisis.

‘The central bank on Monday released the last tranche of the $200-million loan and it was supposed to be released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York by Tuesday,’ a senior BB official told New Age on Tuesday.

The third tranche was worth $50 million.

On August 19 in 2021, the BB released $50 million as the first tranche under a currency swap deal to support the poorly-rated Sri Lanka and another $100 million as a second instalment on August 30 in 2021.

The initial tenure of the currency swap agreement was fixed at three months while the agreement contained a rollover condition, allowing Sri Lanka to extend the period of repayment of the financing facility.

Sri Lanka may utilise the fund for around one year and then return back the money along with interest, the BB official said.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, in a statement, stated that there was a possibility of extending the facility twice.

The impact of the Covid outbreak has been devastating on the island nation’s economy which contracted by 3.4 per cent in 2020.

Tourism, a major source of Sri Lanka’s foreign currency, has been the worst affected sector as the Covid situation is yet to come under control.

Economic crisis coupled with a poor reserve amounting to less than two months’ import payments also prompted credit rating agencies to downgrade the country’s rating and to question whether Sri Lanka would be able to service the $1.5 billion line of debt that matures in 2022.

The currency swap initiative was taken after Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to Bangladesh to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and received the BB approval in May.

Apart from receiving $200 million from Bangladesh, the island nation also received another $787 million from the International Monetary Fund’s special drawing rights (SDR) allocation.

Apart from the fresh phase of the crisis, Sri Lanka has had no default events (on bonds or loans) since 1983.

On the other hand, Bangladesh’s reserve has been growing rapidly after the Covid outbreak whereas Sri Lanka’s reserve has come under increasing pressure.

Foreign tourists were staying away after deadly suicide bombings took place in Sri Lanka on Easter Day in 2019, killing more than 250 people. But efforts to revive the industry failed after the pandemic struck.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserve stood at $46.3 billion after hitting a record high of $48 billion from around $33 billion one and a half year ago.

On the other hand, the reserve of Sri Lanka, which is facing a sharp trade deficit, declined to around $3 billion by the end of August 2021.

Bangladesh completes $200m bailout fund disbursement to Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday completed disbursement of the $200-million bailout fund to cash crisis-hit Sri Lanka amid a deepening foreign reserve crisis in the...

www.newagebd.net

Isa Khan · Sep 22, 2021

Bangladesh and Kuwait will chart out a comprehensive roadmap together in the next five years to boost bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including setting up an oil refinery.

The decision came from a bilateral meeting held between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a press briefing in New York.

"The Kuwaiti Prime Minister thinks that Kuwait and Bangladesh should together prepare a roadmap and design actionable programmes in the next five years so that our relations are strengthened further," he said.

He said the foreign ministers of the two countries will sit in a meeting to chart out the roadmap. "We'll work out the details."

Noting that five big projects are now being implemented with finance from Kuwait fund, he said Bangladesh wants more and Kuwait is also keen for more projects.

"Kuwait wants to undertake different projects…. They've taken the initiative to establish an oil refinery in Bangladesh. Our Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) said we'll surely provide them land for the refinery. We'll be happy if they set up a refinery in our country," said Dr Momen.

He said a preliminary proposal came from Kuwait to set up a refinery and it will now be more solidified.

"It was a very fruitful meeting. Because, this will give us a big push for developing a solid relationship with Bangladesh and Kuwait," he said, adding that an excellent relation is now prevailing between the two countries.

Some 20,000 Bangladeshi troops worked as peacekeepers in Kuwait since the gulf war. Kuwait is grateful to Bangladesh forever due to its support during the Gulf War.

In this context, State Minister M Shahriar Alam, who was present at the briefing, said there is a contingent named "Bangladesh Contingent" in the Kuwait Army. Still, there are Bangladeshi soldiers in Kuwait to certify their lands as landmine-free areas following further inspection.

Recollecting the role of Bangladesh Army, Kuwait Prime Minister said they were grateful to the Bangladesh government.

Earlier in the morning, Hasina joined a reception at the UNHQ where heads of state or government were present and then the opening session of the UNGA general debate began.

In the beginning of the high-level general debate, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of 76th UNGA Abdulla Shahid (of the Maldives) and Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro delivered their speeches as per the tradition. Then US President Joe Biden delivered his speech in the general debate.

Later, Hasina had a bilateral meeting with her Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven at the bilateral meeting booth of the UN Headquarters.

Since Stefan Lofven is a very famous name for labour rights, Hasina told him that Bangladesh made a tremendous development in the labour sector.

She said not a single RMG worker was terminated during the Covid-19 pandemic as the government announced stimulus packages for the RMG factory owners. Among the world's top 10 environment-friendly factories, seven industrial units are in Bangladesh, she added.

Hasina asked the Swedish Prime Minister to raise the progress of Bangladesh in labour rights internationally.

Bangladesh, Kuwait to chart out roadmap for boosting bilateral cooperation: FM

“The Kuwaiti Prime Minister thinks that Kuwait and Bangladesh should together prepare a roadmap and design actionable programmes in the next five years so that our relations are strengthened further”

tbsnews.net

Isa Khan · Sep 22, 2021

An informal meeting of foreign ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Saturday was canceled as other member countries opposed Pakistan's insistence on having a representative of the Taliban at the table.

Afghanistan became a member of SAARC in 2007.

Sources said SAARC member countries could not reach a consensus on Pakistan's request to allow the Taliban to attend Saturday's meeting which has become a customary annual event on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York.

As a result, the meeting of foreign ministers from eight South Asian countries -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan -- was canceled.

A senior Indian government official said Pakistan insisted that the Taliban attend the meeting, but no other member-country agreed to this.

The international community is yet to recognise the Taliban whose senior members are still blacklisted by the United Nations and are on "wanted" lists by American agencies.

Pakistan insists on Taliban presence in SAARC, foreign ministers’ meeting canceled

An informal meeting of foreign ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Saturday was canceled as other member countries opposed Pakistan’s insistence on having a representative of the Taliban at the table.

www.thedailystar.net

Isa Khan · Sep 23, 2021

Russian Ambassador to BangladeshAlexander V Mantytskiy met with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed at the Army headquarters today.

During the meeting, the duo exchanged greetings and discussed various issues related to the existing good relations and future progress between the armies of the two countries.

The Army Chief also thanked the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh for paying him a visit.

Russian ambassador to Bangladesh meets Army Chief

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander V Mantytskiy met with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed at the Army headquarters today.

www.thedailystar.net

Isa Khan · Sep 24, 2021

Bangladesh’s potential to be a much more significant trade and investment partner for Australia is real. In the eyes of many Australians, including in the business community, Bangladesh has an outdated and incomplete image.

Within Australia, Bangladesh is perceived as an aid-dependent, impoverished country which is subjected repeatedly to natural and human induced disasters, like cyclones, floods, and building collapses due poor building standards. In reality, however, the country has made impressive strides in its development journey, and that image is in need of a refresh.

Bangladesh recorded nearly 6 percent annual GDP growth from 2000-2019 and officially registered a 3.5 percent growth rate in the COVID-19 ravaged 2020, raising the country’s GDP to almost US$320 billion. In pre-COVID-19 2019, the economy grew by eight percent. A GDP per capita of around $2,000 – for a population of around 160 million people – means that the country is set to move out of Least Developed Country status in the next few years.

Indeed, Bangladesh could be described as the least known, fastest growing economy in Asia. In recent months it has overtaken India’s per capita income and even provided foreign exchange assistance to Sri Lanka. In terms of recent growth rates and the size of its economy, Bangladesh has many similarities with Vietnam, a country which receives a lot more attention in Australia.

The conclusion of the Australia-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) on 15 September is therefore timely and could provide the necessary boost towards a more significant economic relationship. While TIFAs are seen as mostly symbolic and replete with good intentions, they do signal an injection of commitment and ambition. TIFAs do not guarantee trade and investment growth, but there are examples where instruments like TIFAs have presaged the building of more expansive economic ties between countries. An example is the US-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement which was signed in 2013; by 2019 bilateral trade in goods between the two countries had increased by close to 50 percent. In this specific case, the TIFA also highlights that Australia’s opportunity scope in South Asia goes beyond India.

The current bilateral trade relationship is modest. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s latest figures show that Bangladesh is Australia’s 30th-largest partner, with two-way trade amounting to about $2 billion. Almost half of that relates to Australian imports of textiles and clothing and exports of cotton. Starting from that low base and combined with Bangladesh’s good prospects for a post-COVID-19 recovery, there should be room for growth. Bangladesh’s large, young, increasingly urbanised population and growing middle class should interest a range of Australian exporters and investors.

One substantial opportunity is liquified natural gas (LNG). Bangladesh’s supply of inexpensive domestic gas contributed to its development success. As this depleted, Bangladesh quickly turned to LNG imports, starting in mid-2018 and growing to four million tons per annum in 2020. Forecasters are expecting LNG imports to grow to twenty million tons per annum by 2030, a fivefold increase in less than a decade.

Australia was the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2020, just ahead of Qatar. Australia’s LNG production facilities in the north of the country are among the closest to Bangladesh’s already functioning and planned LNG import facilities. On paper, Australia should be able to be a competitive supplier to the country due to lower shipping costs.

To date, Bangladesh’s long term LNG contracts have been concluded under so called “Government to Government” arrangements, namely with Qatar and Oman. The TIFA could provide an avenue through which the prospects for a sustained LNG trading relationship could be developed, including by the two governments, ensuring that Australian LNG producers are able to compete on an equal footing.

For this to occur, Australian LNG producers, and indeed suppliers of other commodities, will also need to be convinced of the value of trade diversification and take more innovative approaches. Learning to deal with new customers in Bangladesh will require patience and creativity.

Australian producers have traditionally enjoyed the custom of buyers from North East Asia (Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan), who have consistently been prepared to provide attractive terms. While price is part of the equation, it is also these customers’ good credit worthiness and preparedness to share risks and obligations. To get the necessary comfort with dealing with buyers with lesser experience and lower credit ratings, Australian producers will need to consider ways to manage the perceived higher risks or indeed by developing an appetite for higher risk, as sellers from other countries have done to develop new markets like Bangladesh.

It will also require Australian producers to have a long-term commitment to acquire a sophisticated understanding of the country and to develop enduring relationships. This is easier said than done as Australian companies can be expected to focus their efforts on markets which promise the best returns. Their willingness to do things differently in Bangladesh will likely depend on their perceptions of whether they can continue to count on North East Asia as the market of choice.

Bangladesh’s success has attracted many other partners, and the landscape is competitive. The Australian government, including through Export Finance Australia and Austrade, should consider some of the policies other countries have already used to develop market share in Bangladesh to grow Australia’s presence.

While it does have significant structural issues to address, many observers are cautiously optimistic that Bangladesh will be able to move up the manufacturing value chain. Australia is well placed to supply the country with natural resources and value-added inputs, as it has done elsewhere in the region as countries industrialised. Australia is also well suited to providing to a greater range and level of services, as has been done in the education sector where Australia has an established brand name in country.

Bangladesh understands the need to both attract new investment and diversify its economy in order to lessen its dependence on the ready-made garment sector, remittances from its large diaspora, and some light manufacturing. The country has been increasingly active in looking at how it can attract the necessary investment, both to help in this diversification push and to modernise its infrastructure. Australian investors, especially those with an appetite for – and experience in – investing in Asian infrastructure, should take note.

Australia’s ever-growing challenges with China have led political leaders to stress the need for more trade diversity. Bangladesh should feature strongly in the list of countries which can potentially provide that additional bandwidth. The two countries share historically significant relations: Australia was the fourth country to recognise Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and has been a committed development partner. People-to-people links are considerable, with over 40,000 people born in Bangladesh calling Australia home, according to the 2016 census. The English language and cricket provide good cultural commonalities.

Both countries are also wary of being dominated by larger and more assertive neighbours. And Bangladesh is rising in prominence as a potential partner on strategic issues in the region. While there are some tensions between Bangladesh and India, the relationship is sturdy, and increased cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia in this area is unlikely to draw ire from Quad partner India.

The TIFA is a signpost that in the fast evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, Australia and Bangladesh do have many genuine interests in common, and they can and should work much closer together. At the end of day, however, unless the business communities and political leadership of both countries seize the opportunity, the TIFA will end up being symbolic and left on the shelf of unmet expectations.

Australia–Bangladesh: A Booster Dose For Trade Diversity? - Australian Institute of International Affairs

Bangladesh’s potential to be a much more significant trade and investment partner for Australia is real. In the eyes of many Australians, including in the business community, Bangladesh has an outdated and incomplete image.

www.internationalaffairs.org.au

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Isa Khan · Sep 24, 2021

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Thursday visited the construction site of the new specialised hospital under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and said it will serve as a symbol of close relationship between Bangladesh and Korea.

"This Hospital will be the first specialized hospital in Bangladesh for the treatment of critical patients and serve as a symbol of our close relationship and ever-strengthening friendship," he said.

During his visit to the site, Ambassador Lee said it is the largest project in medical area with Korea's support.

Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health Md Shahadat Hossain, Chairman and Director of the Project of BSMMU Md Zulfiqur Rahman Khan and other staff of Hyundai Development Corporation, Sunjin Engineering and Samsung C&T were present.

The project is funded by South Korea's concessional loan, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), with the total cost of US $130,917,000.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction was held in September 2018 with the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The work is well in progress despite the impact of COVID-19 and is expected to be inaugurated soon, said the Ambassador.

South Korean companies, Hyundai Development Company (HDC), Sunjin Engineering and Samsung C&T are involved in the implementation of the project.

The hospital is designed to accommodate a total of 700 beds and 5 specialized centers.

It will also be equipped with cutting-edge medical devices and health information system (HIS). The new hospital will feature the largest medical service system in Bangladesh.

The project goes beyond a mere construction of the building.

Doctors and nurses of the BSMMU have been invited to Korea for medical education and training.

Hospital managers have also visited Korea to participate in training in hospital operation and management.

The health sector has long been one of the priority areas of South Korea's ODA to Bangladesh with an aim to help providing quality healthcare services to Bangladesh people, said the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka.

South Korea established Bangladesh-Korea Friendship Hospital in 1998 in Savar which added an Eye Care Unit to the hospital recently.

The National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) opened in 2016 with the support of KOICA, a Korea's grant aid agency.

Korea invited so far more than 250 Bangladesh medical professionals to Korea and provided education and training in various areas of medical expertise.

Ambassador Lee said, "South Korea continues to commit to improving healthcare service in Bangladesh through various ODA projects so that Bangladesh people can enjoy quality healthcare service and health life."

BSMMU’s new specialised hospital a symbol of close ties with Korea: Envoy

The 700-bed hospital with 5 specialised centers to be opened soon

tbsnews.net

Dhaka: Ambassador of Vietnam in Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien and President of BVCCI S M Rahman had a courtesy meeting with the President of FBCCI Md Jashim Uddin on September 14 at the latter's office in the capital.

Issues related to trade and economic relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam were discussed at the meeting.

In addition, they discussed about starting direct flights between the two countries, opening help desk for trade promotion and increasing bilateral trade, manpower and technology sharing as well as export volume from Bangladesh to Vietnam.

BVCCI President S M Rahman mentioned the current issues with logistics and customs clearance in terms of import and export.

Brig Gen Md Manzur Qader (Retd), Senior Vice President, BVCCI; Abdus Sobhan, Director, BVCCI; Aneek Rashed Khan, Director, BVCCI; Md Muhammad Golam Mustafa, Director, BVCCI; Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Senior Vice President, FBCCI; Md Habib Ullah Dawn, Vice President, FBCCI; and Md Aminul Hoque Shamim, Vice President, FBCCI were also present at the meeting.

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menafn.com

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1441371335251296269

Isa Khan · Sep 25, 2021

https://www.facebook.com/mofadhaka/posts/1069913793749194

Isa Khan · Sep 27, 2021

https://www.facebook.com/mofadhaka/posts/1071132106960696

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1442161596374007827

Isa Khan · Sep 27, 2021

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani hosted the newly-appointed ambassador of Bangladesh to Iraq in Erbil on Saturday.

Mohammed Fazlulbari, the new Bangladeshi ambassador to Iraq, told Rudaw their country is looking to improve bilateral relations as well as cooperation in the area of trade and commerce, adding that “the KRG is a very important reason for promoting trade and commerce.”

“The first and primary objective is to improve bilateral relations between the two countries,” Fazlulbari said. “There is a necessity for high-level visits… both in the government and in the business communities.”

The two countries have historically had very good relations, with Iraq being one of the first nations to support the independence of Bangladesh, according to Fazlulbari.

When asked about facilities in the region, Ambassador Fazlulbari said that they do not yet have any offices, but plans are in the works.

“We have a plan to open an honorary consulate here,” Fazlulbari said, but he explained that the Bangladeshi government was more interested in a permanent one.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/interview/250920212

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Banshidhar Mishra has stressed the need for taking increased efforts to boost trade with Bangladesh.

He made the call during his visit to Sonamasjid land port of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj today, according to The Daily Star's Chapainawabganj correspondent.

Sonamasjid is the second largest port in Bangladesh through which many foreign students come to the south Asian country to study in medical colleges, he said.

Sonamasjid land port has made it easy for Nepal's eastern and southern parts to be connected with Bangladesh for export-import business, Mishra said.

"Sonamasjid has a lot of trade potential. We are connected with many other land ports and connection with Sonamasjid will be good for all also."

Later, he along with other officials of the Nepalese embassy also visited Mohdipur land port of Maldah in India's West Bengal, which is situated just opposite to Sonamasjid land port.

Nepalese envoy wants increased trade with Bangladesh

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Banshidhar Mishra has stressed the need for taking increased efforts to boost trade with Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Isa Khan · Sep 28, 2021

https://www.facebook.com/mofadhaka/posts/1071653813575192

Bangladesh and Mexico on Tuesday agreed to work on easing administrative barriers to facilitate trade between the two countries.

The agreement was reached in a meeting in Mexico city between Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs, M Shahriar Alam, and Mexican deputy foreign minister Carmen Moreno Toscano, according to a press release.

Carmen Moreno Toscano expressed the intent of her government to sign a memorandum of understanding on mutual assistance in customs matters with Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh minister sought to conclude MoUs in different areas, including in the area of double taxation.

Shahriar Alam stressed the early conclusion of a MoU between two countries on exempting visas for diplomatic and official passports holders to facilitate engagements between the two countries.

He also emphasised on holding foreign office consultations as per the MoU signed between the two countries six years ago.

Shahriar Alam was now visiting Mexico with a seven-member Bangladesh delegation for joining the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence on Monday evening at the invitation from the Mexican president. Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador presided over the anniversary celebration event.

A small business delegation was also accompanying the Bangladesh delegation with intent to connect with their counterparts in Mexico.

Bangladesh ambassador to Mexico Abida Islam also joined the programmes.

Bangladesh state minister also had a brief meeting with Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and ministers from Serbia, The Netherland, France and Greece during the celebration event.

A 39-member military contingent from Bangladesh performed at the celebratory parade in Mexico City on September 16, 2021, and a 14-member cultural troupe is also visiting the country to showcase Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage there.

Bangladesh, Mexico agree to facilitate bilateral trade

Bangladesh and Mexico on Tuesday agreed to work on easing administrative barriers which are hampering trade between the two countries. The agreement was reached in a meeting between Bangladesh state...

www.newagebd.net

https://www.facebook.com/mofadhaka/posts/1072300573510516

https://www.facebook.com/rusembdhaka/posts/4308803929227139

Isa Khan · Sep 29, 2021

The government will buy 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia under the state-to-state contract, according to a decision taken by the cabinet committee on government purchase today.

Prices of wheat will be determined through discussion, said Md Shamsul Arefin, an additional secretary of the cabinet division after the meeting chaired by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.

The government plans to buy 5 lakh tonnes of wheat from the international market during the current fiscal year of 2021-22, in order to carry out its food distribution programme under monetised and non-monetised arrangement.

Of the amount, the government will buy 2 lakh tonnes from Russia. An agreement has already been signed between the two countries and Russia has already shipped first consignment against the contract, said an official of the food ministry.

Early this month, the government decided to buy 50,000 tonnes of wheat from a Singapore based firm Agrocorp.

In fiscal year 2020-21, the Directorate General of Food bought 4.78 lakh tonnes of wheat from abroad, according to data by the food ministry.

Govt to buy 1 lakh tonnes of wheat from Russia

The government will buy 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia under the state-to-state contract, according to a decision taken by the cabinet committee on government purchase today.

www.thedailystar.net

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1442817923395973121

Isa Khan · Sep 30, 2021

The president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mahbubul Alam, recently said Bangladesh and Thailand must take action to reduce the existing trade deficit.

"In 2019, Bangladesh imported goods worth $973 million from Thailand and exported products worth $74.8 million. To reduce such a huge trade deficit, we must organise exhibitions and trade shows regularly," he added during a meeting with the newly appointed Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh, Makawadee Sumitmor.

The meeting was held on 29 September at the Bangabandhu Conference Hall of the World Trade Center in the port city.

Alam said trading activity between Chattogram port and Ranong Port of Thailand would have been easier if the two ports had direct transportation facilities by sea. Such facilities would have reduced the transportation time to three or four days and halved transportation costs, he added.

Alam requested the Thai ambassador's assistance in the recommencement of the recruitment of some 50,000 Bangladeshi workers in Thailand's fisheries sector. He also requested the ambassador's help in implementing Thai investment of $250 million in Bangladesh's energy sector, already declared.

Alam also urged the ambassador to resume direct flights from Chattogram to the Thai cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor responded positively to Alam's requests. She hoped the CCCI will help implement the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand.

The ambassador also said a roadshow may take place next year to accelerate trading between the two countries.

The Thai Ambassador expressed hope of reducing the quarantine period from 14 days to seven days for anyone travelling to Thailand from Bangladesh which would help attract more Bangladeshi travellers to Thailand. The situation will improve as the Covid-19 situation gets better, she added.

The vice president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Syed Mohammad Tanvir, Director of the CCCI, Anjan Shekhar Das, and Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Center of Excellence, Wasfi Tamim, spoke at the event among others.

Action to reduce trade deficit with Thailand a must: CCCI President

In 2019, Bangladesh imported goods worth $973 million from Thailand and exported only $74.8 million worth of goods

www.tbsnews.net

https://www.facebook.com/mofadhaka/posts/1072794026794504

Isa Khan · Oct 5, 2021

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Algeria will boost bilateral trade, said Rizwan Rahman, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), on Monday.

Meeting with Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Rabah Larbi, at the DCCI offices, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said in a press release that bilateral trade between the two countries reached $98.28 million in fiscal year 2019-20.

Bangladesh mainly exports RMG products to Algeria and imports mineral products from there. In that fiscal year, Bangladeshi goods worth $5.90 million were exported to Algeria, and goods worth $90.79 million were imported from Algeria, he added.

The DCCI president invited Algerian investors to register for the Bangladesh Trade & Investment Summit, slated to start on 26 October. The Ministry of Commerce and DCCI will organise the event jointly for B2B matchmaking.

He requested Algeria to hire more skilled manpower and professionals from Bangladesh.

Algerian Ambassador Rabah Larbi said regular contact between the commercial chambers of Algeria and Bangladesh would pave the way for enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Algerian investors are keen to work in the energy sector in Bangladesh, he added.

Appreciating DCCI's effort to organise a business summit this month, the Algerian Ambassador said he would request Algerian investors and traders to join this summit.

He also urged direct contact of business people from both countries.

Rabah Larbi said, as a developing country, there are huge opportunities in Algeria to explore for business.

Bangladesh can import fertiliser, cement, and fruits from Algeria, he added.

DCCI: FTA with Algeria will increase bilateral trade

The DCCI President requested Algeria to hire more skilled manpower and professionals from Bangladesh

www.tbsnews.net

Brazilian ambassador to Bangladesh Joao Tabazara de Oliveira Junior said his country is keen to start direct export-import activities with Bangladesh.

While addressing a view-exchange meeting with leaders of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on Saturday night, the Brazilian envoy said, "About 500 years ago, Bangladesh had direct shipping line with the Port of Rio de Janeiro. There is still a lot of potential for expanding bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil."

Stressing the need for taking up effective steps for the exchange of information and improving relations between the business communities of the two countries, he also sought cooperation from the CCCI in this regard.

CCCI President Mahbubul Alam said, "At present, many Bangladeshi products, including pharmaceuticals and readymade garments, have huge potential in the Brazilian market. But due to the lack of a direct business channel, it is not possible to export to Brazil."

Both countries would benefit greatly from the import-export trade by setting up direct business channels, he observed.

Mahbubul Alam hoped for the desired progress in the field of bilateral economic relations, including Brazilian investment in the economic zones in Bangladesh, in the coming days.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Sandra Esteves de Andrade, wife of the Brazilian ambassador, Syed Mostafizur Rahman¸ managing director of Novo Group, and Lieutenant Colonel Md Taufiqul Islam, CEO of Bhatiari Golf Club.

Brazil keen to start direct shipping line with Bangladesh

Both Bangladesh and Brazil would benefit greatly from the import-export trade by setting up direct business channels, CCCI President Mahbubul Alam observes

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh will open fire at border with Myanmar to stop arms and drugs smuggling and human trafficking, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said today.

"We had decided never to open fire at the border. But I had a discussion with the home minister yesterday (Monday) about the current situation at the border and decided that we will open fire in the future," the minister said, adding, "Only then crimes like human trafficking or drugs and arms smuggling will stop."

He was talking to journalists after a programme at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital this morning.

The foreign minister said, "We have a history with Myanmar. In 1982, two lakh Rohingyas came to Bangladesh and were repatriated through negotiations. In 1992, another 2.53 lakh Rohingyas arrived and 2.36 lakh of them returned while others were taken by UNHCR. This time the number is bigger -- 11 lakh."

Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's statement yesterday, he said, "We are talking about repatriation. But several international agencies are talking of long-term rehabilitation. There has been no conflict in Rakhine for the last four years; yet, they (agencies) do not tell them (Rohingyas) to repatriate. All they (agencies) talk about is keeping them in good condition and about their human rights here."

"They (agencies) are making absurd demands like giving Rohingyas the right to buy land, giving opportunities in employment and proper schooling. But these are not acceptable. Their (agency) intention is: if they (Rohingya) stay here, their (agencies) employment will be extended. The world is paying a lot for them, and we don't know how that money is being spent," the minister said.

Regarding Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah's murder, the foreign minister said, "He was an educated man, a teacher. His only goal was to return home. He used to say that they have no future here and must go back for a better future. And he is killed. It's sad. We want to investigate to identify his killers and they (murderers) must be punished."

Bangladesh will open fire at Myanmar border to stop trafficking: Momen

Bangladesh will open fire at border with Myanmar to stop arms and drugs smuggling and human trafficking, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said today.

www.thedailystar.net

In an important breakthrough Bangladesh would be allowed to take lease of farmland in South Sudan and Liberia for cultivation purposes, cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said.

Foreign, commerce and agriculture ministers disclosed the matter at a cabinet meeting on Monday.

Cabinet secretary said a laboratory has been set up at Purbachal to produce a new variety of rice, wheat and other crops suitable for African soil and weather conditions.

“We have approved the laboratory to carry out that research for the betterment of the country,” he said.

It is a good advancement for Bangladesh to be able to produce crops in foreign countries and earn money, he added.

Bangladesh to take lease of farmland in South Sudan, Liberia

In an important breakthrough Bangladesh would be allowed to take lease of farmland in South Sudan and Liberia for cultivation purposes, cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said

www.businessinsiderbd.com

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed African countries to make a quick decision on land rents. He directed the three ministers to speed up the proposal to lease African countries’ land to Bangladesh for the production of agricultural products.

Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam said the directive was given to foreign, trade and agriculture ministers at a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister on Monday.

“Several African countries, including South Sudan, have offered to rent you a huge land if you come,” he said at a press conference at the secretariat. If you can produce agricultural products there, we welcome it. After a long discussion, the Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Agriculture to look into the matter very quickly.

He said some Bangladeshi companies are producing a lot by setting up “farms”

; in some African countries. There are no people in those countries. But they have land. South Sudan is one of them. Liberia – in these places. Charged to explore this. At the same time, our agricultural products can go out to explore a little more.

‘They are welcoming our vegetables from Scandinavian countries. Even that to explore. In those countries we have to see which crops are suitable for the climate and the environment, whether we produce and sell them on the local market, sell them on the international market or bring them here for us ”.

The Cabinet Secretary said: “Already two acres of land in Purbachal has been given to the Ministry of Agriculture so that we can take agricultural products from our country and abroad, so that an ISO standards laboratory can be set up. international”. The person who takes the agricultural product will take it there, pack it there and get the certificate. We can’t do many things. They say your standard is not fair. With the approval of this laboratory, the Ministry of Agriculture has started the work. There was a case there, it’s pretty much over. I think the works will start very soon. ‘

“It’s an important thing, it’s going to be a big step forward for our economy,” he said. We have said several times that we need a certain diversification together with the leaders ”.

The prime minister instructs 3 ministers to lease land in Africa

remonews.com

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=289715139382689

The World Expo-2020 also known as Dubai-Expo-2020, which is one of the largest expositions of the world, has formally kicked off here in Dubai with the participation of some 192 countries including Bangladesh alongside many international organizations and companies.

As part of Bangladesh's participation at the Expo, the Bangladesh Pavilion was inaugurated today by Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi.

This is for the first time Bangladesh took part at the Expo with its own pavilion.

The six-month-long Expo would continue till March 31, 2022 where the socio-economic progress, history, culture and heritage of Bangladesh over the last 50 years would be highlighted.

Marking the formal inauguration of the Bangladesh Pavilion, a seminar was organized by the Ministry of Commerce at the Pavilion conference room today with the title "Indomitable Bangladesh: A desired destination for trade and investment".

Chaired by Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Md Abu Jafar, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi spoke at the seminar as the chief guest while Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmed spoke as special guest.

Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman AHM Ahsan, Consul General of Bangladesh at Dubai BM Jamal Hossain, NRB CIP Association President and Al Harmain Group Chairman Mahtabur Rahman Nasir and KPC Group Chairman Kalipradip Chowdhury spoke, among others, at the seminar.

North South University teacher Dilara Afroz Khan presented the key-note paper at the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in their motherland.

"Investment-friendly environment is prevailing in Bangladesh while our socio-economic progress is also significant. We are ahead of our neighboring countries, please come up with investment and the government will extend all-out cooperation to you," he said.

Tipu said the government would also consider with due importance the proposals of the expatriates to simplify further the investment procedure.

He said Bangladesh is no longer a "bottomless basket", rather the attainments of Bangladesh in different fields over the last 50 years would be highlighted before the whole world at the Dubai Expo.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmed called upon the expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in Employment-generating operations in their motherland apart from sending remittance.

"Building posh houses in your motherland with remittance money is not an investment. Please invest in such sector which will generate employments and thus boost country's exports," he added.

The Minister said the fast advancement and continued GDP growth indicates the better investment environment in Bangladesh. "Immense opportunities and facilities are there in Bangladesh for making investment while the government is also providing necessary policy support. Please do avail such facilities", he added.

Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said that not only trade and exports of Bangladesh would be highlighted at the Dubai Expo, but also the rich history, culture and heritage of the Bengali nation would be projected before the whole world.

He also expressed his high hope that it would be possible to highlight Bangladesh in a strong way at the Expo.

The Dubai Expo-2020 was formally inaugurated yesterday evening where some 192 countries are taking part. This World Expo is taking place in Dubai for the first time among the Middle East, Africa and South Asian region.

The centenary birth celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the ideology, spirit as well as the contributions of Bangabandhu during the War of Liberation would be highlighted at the Expo side by side the pioneering role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in women's empowerment would also be projected.

Apart from projecting the achievements of Bangladesh in different fields, various products, innovative ideas, national brand, tourism and positive business environment would be given emphasis to further brighten the image of the country.

Besides, various programmes would be arranged at the Bangladesh pavilion marking various national Days while the national flag would be hoisted in the pavilions of all the countries marking the Victory Day on December 16.

The Bangladesh Pavilion has been decorated nicely with the scenic beauty of Bangladesh while the pictures of Father of the Nation, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be there.

The theme of the Dubai Expo-2020 is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" while the three other sub themes are "Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability".

The organizers hoped that some 25 million visitors would gather at the Expo featuring 200 pavilions of some 192 countries.

Meanwhile, a display center has been set up at the two-storey Bangladesh Pavilion having a space of 436 square meters at the Dubai Expo-2020 where there would be digital expositions, offices, conference rooms, B to B meeting halls.

The exhibition title of the Bangladesh Pavilion has been set at "Indomitable Bangladesh: Towards Sustainable Development".

The Dubai Expo-2020 was supposed to take place last year, but it could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last World Expo took place at Milan in Italy in 2015.

Dubai Expo-2020 kicks off; Bangladesh pavilion inaugurated

This is for the first time Bangladesh took part at the Expo with its own pavilion

www.tbsnews.net

Isa Khan · Oct 5, 2021

Bangladesh army participated in ‘Exercise - Cormorant Strike XI - 2021’ in Sri-lanka. The 11th Edition has been exclusively designed for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) in a joint setting to build synergy with other Arms and Sister Services. Representatives from foreign countries including India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh are participating in the event as players and observers.

The Exercise encompasses joint preparation, planning to conduct special operations for command, staff management, headquarter, and unit operations to work together along with sister services.