Bangladesh News Bangladesh Foreign Affairs

[Isa Khan]

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has declined to provide any exemption from customs duties to Bangladeshi products due to a unified customs tariff system of Gulf countries.

Bangladesh requested the Saudi authorities to exempt customs duties on its 130 products during the fourteenth session of the Saudi-Bangladeshi Joint Committee meeting, held in Riyadh on October 30-31.

To this effect, the embassy of KSA in Dhaka has recently conveyed it to the Bangladesh foreign ministry through a note verbale. A note verbale is a diplomatic communication from one government to another, delivered through each other's diplomatic representatives.

The ministry then forwarded the letter to the commerce ministry.

"…the Bangladeshi side participated with 213 products in which requested from the Saudi side to study the possibility of exempting them from customs duties," according to the verbale.

The KSA has been associated with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in a customs union since January 1, 2003.

"Customs duties according to the unified customs tariff of the Council, except for what is exempted under an international agreement within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and accordingly the Saudi side is unable to provide any exemptions from customs duties," reads the embassy's note verbale.

Bangladesh exported only US$290 million to the KSA in the fiscal year (FY) 2021-22. Of the total volume, around U$ 144 million was RMG shipments, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data.

But the actual volume of exports to the Gulf country is higher as a significant amount of export is conducted through informal channels, for instance, cargo or baggage.

KSA is the 24th largest export destination of Bangladesh out of 202 countries, while the Gulf country is also the 26th largest destination for Bangladeshi RMG items.

There is a huge opportunity for Bangladeshi products, including home textiles, agricultural products, leather goods, jute and ceramics, in the KSA.

The government and exporters concerned are sincerely working to explore the untapped market potential in Saudi Arabia as it is an important player in the Gulf region, said exporters.

Bangladesh's export earnings from the KSA can reach $5.0-7.0 billion within the next couple of years if the government takes right initiatives, they observed.

Now, Bangladesh is one of the largest recipients of remittance. And the KSA has been the largest hub of foreign remittance into Bangladesh.

Saudi Arabia says 'no' to Bangladesh request for customs duty exemption

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has declined to provide any exemption from customs duties to Bangladeshi products due to a unified customs tariff system of Gulf countries. Bangladesh requested the Saudi authorities to exempt customs duties on its 130 products during the fourteenth session of the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh and Rwanda have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to enhance connectivity, trade and people-to-people relationships between the two countries.

Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladeshi high commissioner to India and Jacqueline Mukangira, Rwanda's high commissioner to Bangladesh, signed the agreement in a formal ceremony at the High Commission of Bangladesh in New Delhi on Thursday, reports The Heritage Times.

The agreement will allow the operation of air transport services that will facilitate the movement of people, cargo and mail, in the context of strengthening business bonds and promoting tourism between Rwanda and Bangladesh, the Rwandan high commission said in a statement.

"The agreement will contribute enormously to the economic growth of both countries, and will notably provide the Rwandan private sector with access to a market of more than 160 million people.

"Rwanda and Bangladesh are also still negotiating various agreements that will bring their bilateral cooperation to greater heights," the statement reads.

Bangladesh and Rwanda have enjoyed good diplomatic relations since 2012.

Bangladesh, Rwanda sign 'Bilateral Air Services Agreement'

Bangladesh and Rwanda have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to enhance connectivity, trade and people-to-people relationships between the two countries. Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladeshi high commissioner to India and Jacqueline Mukangira, Rwanda's high commissioner to Bangladesh...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1615018789405618177

On 15 January 2023, the Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS TAMAR has arrived at the naval base in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The vessel was received by Chief Staff Officer to Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Capt M Faizul Hoque, (C), psc, BN. The deployment of HMS TAMAR emphasises the UK’s commitment to defence cooperation with Bangladesh, and to an open and resilient international order for open societies and economies to flourish.

During the visit, HMS TAMAR and her crew will engage in a series of events with the Bangladesh Navy and the local administration in Chattogram to maximise bilateral relations benefitting both countries’ military, trade, development and political alliances.

Commanding Officer of HMS TAMAR Commander Teilo Elliot-Smith, Royal Navy said: “It is a complete honour to bring HMS TAMAR to Bangladesh. Apart from the cultural wonder of Chittagong I’m excited to better understand maritime security priorities in the Bay of Bengal. Our welcome was spectacular and it’s clear we have much in common.”

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said: “I am delighted that HMS TAMAR is visiting Bangladesh, the second Royal Navy ship to come to Chattogram in eighteen months, and I am very grateful to the Bangladesh Navy for their warm welcome. This visit is another example of the UK’s long history of defence cooperation with Bangladesh, especially in the maritime domain. As part of the Indo Pacific focus to our foreign policy we are committed to further deepening defence and naval cooperation with Bangladesh.”

It is worth mentioning that a significant number of Bangladesh Navy personnel have trained alongside the Royal Navy in the UK, including at the Royal College of Defence Studies; on International Principal Warfare Courses, Royal Navy Young Officer Courses, Advance Marine Engineering Courses, Marine Engineering Application and Management Courses, International Midshipman Courses, and Underwater Medicine Courses; and through the UK government’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

British Royal Navy ship HMS TAMAR visits Bangladesh

The deployment of HMS TAMAR emphasises the UK’s commitment to defence cooperation with Bangladesh, and to an open and resilient international order for open societies and economies to flourish.

www.gov.uk

 

[Isa Khan]

A Nigerian delegation visiting Bangladesh has requested the authorities to create an economic zone in the country for the members of D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, said sources.

"We have told them that it is under our consideration," said Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza).

D-8 is an organisation for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkiye.

Akinremi Bolaji, director for economy, trade and investment of Nigeria's foreign ministry, made the request in a meeting with Beza Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun at Beza on 15 January.

Maska Ubale Ahmed Shehu, executive commissioner of Nigerian Communications Commission and Akinremi Bolaji led the delegation of 10 members from the government and private sectors of Nigeria.

Beza Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun told The Business Standard, "The delegation has inquired whether Nigerian investors can invest in Beza. As D-8 countries, they have requested us to create an economic zone for investors from D-8 member countries.

"We informed them about the economic progress of Bangladesh. We said there is a suitable environment for investment in the country."

The Beza is working toward establishing 100 economic zones across the country by 2030. Investors can avail of tax holiday, duty-free imports of raw materials and machinery at the economic zones.

Nigerian delegation requests for establishing economic zone for D-8 countries

A Nigerian delegation visiting Bangladesh has requested the authorities to create an economic zone in the country for the members of D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, said sources. "We have told them that it is under our consideration," said Shaikh Yusuf...

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[Isa Khan]

The bilateral trade volume between Korea and Bangladesh has reached another record high in 2022 exceeding $3 billion.

According to the statistics of the Korea International Trade Association, the bilateral trade volume in 2022 recorded $3.035 billion, a 38.71% increase from 2021 which was $2.188 billion.

Bangladesh's export to Korea increased by 22.9% to $678 million in 2022 from $552 million in the previous year while Korea's export to Bangladesh rose by 44.1% with $2.357 billion in 2022 from $1.636 billion in 2021.

Bangladesh's export to Korea has been continuously increasing since it crossed for the first time $100 million in 2007 and reached $200 million in 2011 and $300 million in 2013.

But it had remained stagnant for about a decade thereafter and shrank by 2.9% in 2020 recording $393 million due to the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, it witnessed a big rebound in 2021 to $552 million with a sharp increase of 40.4% year-on-year and recorded another record high of $678 million in 2022 with a 22.9% year-on-year increase.

The main export items of Bangladesh to Korea are RMG, sports and leisure items and bronze scraps, etc.

RMG which accounts for 83.2% of total export to Korea recorded $564 million in 2022, increasing 25.8% year-on-year, while paper products and food skyrocketed by 168.6% and 165% with $3.6 million and $3.1 million respectively.

The export of bronze scrap rose by 41.8% with $17.76 million.

Korea's export to Bangladesh which peaked at $1.63 billion in 2011 fell sharply and hovered at $1.2 billion for almost one decade.

In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, it further deepened to $1.03 billion in 2020.

2021 after a decade of stagnation, it finally rebounded to $1.636 billion in 2021, increasing 58.3% year-on-year and to $2.357 billion in 2022 with a 44.1% year-on-year increase.

However, the increase in Korea's export to Bangladesh in 2021 and 2022 was mainly led by the hike in Bangladesh's import of diesel from Korea which rose by 703.8% to $972 million in 2022.

Korea's export of diesel to Bangladesh rose by 450% in 2021 to $121 million.

While other major export items of Korea to Bangladesh are machinery, petrochemical products, steel and pesticides, etc., they all saw a decrease in 2022.

It appears to be mainly due to the import restrictions imposed by the Bangladesh Government due to the foreign reserves situation in the country in the aftermath of the Ukraine-Russian war.

Ambassador Lee said that the year 2023 which marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Bangladesh will mark a momentous turning point in the bilateral ties between the two countries overcoming the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic challenges derived from the Russian-Ukraine war.

He also hoped that Bangladesh's business sector takes advantage of the preferential trade policy of Korea which provides duty and quota-free access to the Korean market for 95 % of Bangladesh products since 2008.

Export to Korea, a non-traditional market, will also be given the benefit of receiving at least 4% of cash incentives by the Bangladesh government.

Bilateral trade between Korea and Bangladesh rose to a record $3 billion in 2022

Bangladesh’s export to Korea increased by 22.9% to $678 million in 2022 from $552 million in the previous year

www.dhakatribune.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Geographically, the distance between Argentina and Bangladesh is more than 17,000 kilometres. The Latin American country is quite surprised to see the love of Bangladeshi people for the Albiceleste.

Bangladesh's craze for Argentina during the World Cup in Qatar has spread to the entire world, not just in Argentina. To deepen the friendship, the World Cup-winning Latin American country is to open an embassy in Dhaka this February. Argentine foreign minister Santiago Cafiero is coming to Bangladesh to inaugurate the embassy in the capital on 27 February.

A delegation of Argentina headed by Franco Seniliani, deputy high commissioner of the Argentine Embassy in Delhi, is coming to Dhaka on Monday in preparation for the opening of the embassy in Bangladesh.
Franco Seniliani confirmed his visit to Dhaka to Prothom Alo on Sunday evening.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, a senior official of the foreign ministry said Argentine foreign minister Santiago Cafiero would come to Dhaka on a three-day visit on 26 February. Apart from inaugurating the Argentina Embassy in Dhaka, he will also pay a courtesy call on prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He will also hold meetings with foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and commerce minister Tipu Munshi.

Earlier, prime minister Sheikh Hasina sent a congratulatory letter to Argentina president Alberto Fernandez after the country won the FIFA World Cup in December last year.

In response, Alberto Fernandez sent a letter to Sheikh Hasina saying Argentina would open an embassy in Dhaka in 2023 on the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Argentine president also said, “I believe that the people of the two countries will be bound by the bond of brotherhood and harmony by introducing the Argentine Embassy in Dhaka in 2023.”

However, the issue of the opening of the Argentine embassy in Dhaka came to light through a tweet by the country's foreign minister. On 12 December last year, Argentina's foreign minister Santiago Cafiero wrote in his tweet, "Argentina will promote the project to reopen the Embassy in Bangladesh, closed since 1978. On 10 August, I held a meeting with my peer, Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, in this regard.”

The Bangladeshis have been big supporters of the Argentina national football team for a long time. However, the emotion of the people of Bangladesh during the World Cup in Qatar this year has caught the attention of the world.

The reaction of Bangladeshi fans before and after the matches of Argentina was widely spread on social media during the World Cup. Especially after a video of Bangladeshi fan’s crazy celebration after Lionel Messi’s goal against Mexico was posted on FIFA’s official twitter account, the Bangladeshi fans caught the attention of the world.

The video quickly went viral on social media. The incident was also widely publicised in various Argentine media.

Later the Argentina national team thanked the people of Bangladesh in a tweet from the official twitter handle of the team saying, “We thank you for supporting us. They (Bangladeshis) are crazy like us too!”
The Bangladeshi officials believe this would create the chance to increase trade and investments between the two countries. Bangladesh may take the initiative to get access to the Southern common market ‘Mercosur’ with the assistance of Argentina.

Argentine embassy in Dhaka to open on 27 February

Argentine foreign minister Santiago Cafiero is coming to Bangladesh to inaugurate the embassy in the capital on 27 February

en.prothomalo.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has proposed the Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh to take up the issue of considering crude/refined oil from Aramco on a deferred payment basis in the context of the current political instability in parts of Europe.

He also urged the envoy to explore possible cooperation from Saudi Arabia in meeting Bangladesh's domestic energy and oil needs, a release said.

Noting progress of the Saudi investment in the renewable energy sector, Abdul Momen also urged the envoy to explore the possibility of prospective financing in the Eastern Refinery Unit-2 from Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the release added.

Abdul Momen made the proposals during a meeting when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Mr Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan paid a courtesy call on Wednesday at the foreign affairs ministry.

In response to Abdul Momen's proposals, the Saudi Envoy assured to take up the proposal of the deferred payment to the appropriate authorities in the Kingdom.

He also conveyed KSA's readiness to facilitate Bangladesh's proposal to set up a fertiliser industry in Saudi Arabia.

On the prospect of further employment in the Saudi Arabia with reference to Neom city, the foreign minister conveyed Bangladesh's readiness in providing skilled workers and technicians in different trades and also indicated willingness of the government to assign dedicated university or training institute to train manpower in specialised trades to cater to the needs of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues of mutual interests pertaining to bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The ambassador handed over a letter to the Minister Momen from Saudi Foreign Minister Mr Faisal bin Farhan Al- Saud inviting the foreign minister to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia to review and expedite ongoing mutual collaboration.

The foreign minister appreciated and accepted the invitation and said that the visit schedule would be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Foreign minister and Saudi Envoy discussed and reviewed various bilateral issues and expressed satisfaction at the state of relations flourishing rapidly in many fields including political, economic, trade and investment, security and defense, manpower and other areas.

Reaffirming support to Saudi Arabia in the multilateral fora, foreign minister recalled Bangladesh's support to Saudi Arabia in hosting the Expo-2030 in Riyadh.

The Saudi ambassador expressed his gratitude to the minister for his continuous support and guidance in taking forward the bilateral engagements to new heights.

Bangladesh proposes Saudi Arabia supply crude oil on deferred payment basis

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has proposed the Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh to take up the issue of considering crude/refined oil from Aramco on a deferred payment basis in the context of the current political instability in parts of Europe. He also urged the envoy to explore possible...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621475657195868161

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621778905567997952

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621807144457891842

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621845007039885312

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh and Brazil will work together for the further expansion of bilateral trade relations and will render support to the industries to expand their business under joint ventures and collaboration.

In this regard, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) signed a memorandum of understanding on 1 February.

Under this agreement, both the trade bodies will exchange information about the economic development of both countries to open possibilities for increasing trade and the expansion of economic and industrial cooperation among the enterprises and organisations of the two countries.

Business Director of ApexBrasil Ana Paula Repezza and FBCCI president Md Jashim Uddin signed the agreement at ApexBrasil's headquarters in Brazil, said a press release.

As per the agreement, both the FBCCI and ApexBrasil will cooperate in the sharing of best practices, information, knowledge, methodologies, and expertise on trade promotion and investment attraction.

Both parties will share knowledge and experiences about supporting and facilitating the exchange between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), startups, incubation centres, research institutes, investors, and other relevant stakeholders of both countries.

Bangladesh and Brazil will assist and facilitate visits of trade and economic delegations to the other country and will render maximum cooperation for establishing business contacts.

Md Jashim Uddin said the MoU will help recognise the potentiality of promoting economic and commercial cooperation between Bangladesh and Brazil and it will further bolster the trade relations between the two countries.

The FBCCI President invited Brazilian Business leaders to join the Bangladesh Business Summit 2023 slated for 11-13 March in Dhaka on the occasion of FBCCI's 50th anniversary.

Lauding the success of Bangladesh in the national and international arena, the President of ApexBrasil Jorge Viana said the negotiation will deepen the economic relations between the two countries.

Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh and Bangladesh Ambassador to Brazil Sadia Faizunnessa were also present at the signing ceremony.

A six-member delegation including the FBCCI President visited Brazil to expand the market of Bangladeshi products in the regional trade market.

Bangladesh, Brazil to expand bilateral trade

FBCCI signed a memorandum of understanding with its Brazilian counterpart in this regard

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1622667015545835521

Bangladesh and Eswatini signed a MoU on Establishment of Comprehensive Consultation Mechanism and a Memorandum of Agreement on Contract Farming and Agricultural Cooperation.

The agreements were signed by Md Shahriar Alam, MP and his counterpart Thulisile Dladla.

After the signature of the Memorandum of Agreement, Jabulani Mabuza, minister of Agriculture of Eswatini, remarked that agriculture is one major potential area of cooperation between Eswatini and Bangladesh, reads a press release.

He said that a delegation from the Eswatinian Agriculture Ministry may visit Bangladesh to share knowledge in the agriculture sector. He invited Bangladeshi agricultural farms to establish contract farming in Eswatini. The Eswatinian side showed interest in sharing knowledge in agricultural production, agro-commercialization as well as agro-research and extension areas with Bangladesh.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, MP, is on a two-day official bilateral visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

He held bilateral talks with Thulisile Dladla, minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Mbabane on Monday (6 February).

The high commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa and high officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.

At the outset of the meeting, the foreign minister of Eswatini welcomed the Bangladesh delegation. Thulisile Dladla mentioned the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Bangladesh and Eswatini and expressed the desire to enhance the present level of relations with Bangladesh.

She maintained that Eswatini looks to develop business and investment relations with Bangladesh. She suggested the conclusion of the MoU between FBCCI and the Eswatinian apex chamber of commerce in the field of business cooperation. She also underlined the importance of regular bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries.

The State Minister conveyed the greetings of President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to King Mswati III.

He remarked that the bilateral talks will allow identifying potential areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Eswatini. Expressing happiness over his visit to Eswatini, he commented that both countries are exchanging support and cooperating with each other at the UN and international organisations.

Shahriar Alam stressed on promotion of trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and Eswatini to the mutual benefit of the two countries. He underlined the need of conclusion of agreements in visa waiver for diplomats and official passport holders and avoidance of double taxation with a view to promoting contacts, trade and business.

He stated that in the context of growing demand for food and essential commodities, Bangladesh and Eswatini may establish cooperation in agro-production, agro-processing and food security areas. He mentioned the remarkable success that Bangladesh has achieved in agriculture and social development sectors including achieving targets of the MDGs.

He mentioned that Bangladesh is a member of the global crisis response group. He also mentioned the role that Bangladesh is playing in climate adaptation and mitigation areas. He invited the Eswatinian armed forces officers to join courses in defence institutions in Bangladesh.

Briefing on the opportunities for higher education in Bangladesh private universities, he suggested that Eswatinian students may opt to study in different private universities in Bangladesh. He also stated that there may be cooperation between the government and private sectors in IT and ICT areas.

The state minister sought the support of the Eswatinian government for the repatriation of the displaced Rohingya people to their homeland as well as in favour of different Bangladesh candidatures at the UN.

The state minister is due to meet with the Eswatinian minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture tomorrow. He will also meet with the investment development authority and trade bodies there and visit the Royal Eswatini Technology Park.

Bangladesh signs MoUs with Eswatini

Bangladesh and Eswatini signed a MoU on Establishment of Comprehensive Consultation Mechanism and a Memorandum of Agreement on Contract Farming and Agricultural Cooperation. The agreements were signed by Md Shahriar Alam, MP and his counterpart Thulisile Dladla. After the signature of the...

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Russia wants to sell its different food products to Bangladesh in order to diversify its export market amid sanctions on the former by the western world over invasion of Ukraine.

Under the proposal, Russia has offered to supply its food products, including red lentils, green lentils, sunflower oil, yellow peas, and chickpeas, to Bangladesh under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.

The Russian embassy in Bangladesh has recently sent the proposal through a letter to the Bangladesh foreign ministry. Then the ministry forwarded the letter to the commerce ministry for the next course of action.

As per the letter, 'Prodintorg' Joint Stock Company, Foreign Economic Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Federation of Russia, has requested the relevant Bangladesh government authorities to start negotiations in this regard.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has already asked the officials concerned to review the proposal and take steps after discussion with the stakeholders, said the ministry officials.

'Prodintorg' has been supplying mineral fertilisers and grains on a G2G basis since 2013.

It is the only Russian state-run company to supply agricultural products and fertilisers to Bangladesh on the G2G basis, according to the letter.

"Since the beginning of cooperation, the state agency has already supplied to Bangladesh more than 1.3 million tonnes of potash fertilisers and more than 1.5 million tonnes of milling wheat," mentioned the letter.

'Prodintorg' is now very interested in expanding the cooperation with Bangladesh further by supplying various food products - yellow peas, chickpeas, red lentils, green lentils, and sunflower oil - on G2G terms.

"We would like to take the opportunity to supply these food commodity items at the best competitive and comprehensive price," said the letter.

Currently, Russia is the world's largest exporter of different food items, including wheat. Besides, it is an important exporter of barley and sunflower seed. It is also a leading exporter of energy and fertilisers.

Talking about the Russian proposal, a senior official of the commerce ministry said, "We have received a proposal from the Russian state entity regarding its interest in selling various food items to Bangladesh. Now we are scrutinising it. This is a very important proposal for Bangladesh given the present kitchen market situation."

"The commerce ministry is considering sitting with stakeholders, including other ministries concerned, Bangladesh Bank and relevant state agencies, for reviewing the proposal."

"But it will take time as the commerce secretary is now staying abroad," he added.

The official, however, said the issues with regard to the prevailing restrictions on Russia over Ukraine invasion will be taken into consideration while dealing with the proposal.

The absence of Bangladesh's direct banking transactions with Russia seems to be an impediment toward pursuing the trade deals, added the official.

The Russian-Ukraine war has dealt a severe blow to global food security through its impacts on wheat, oil and fertiliser exports, thus contributing to the skyrocketing inflation of all essential items.

The US and the EU imposed multiple sanctions, including SWIFT ban, against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, almost cutting the nuclear power off from the rest of the world.

Dhaka is now desperately exploring alternative payment systems amid multiple sanctions, including SWIFT ban, against Russia.

The government is trying to increase the supply of essential items in the local market as the commodity market is already overheated.

Lentil, edible oil, sugar, etc. are already pricier in the kitchen markets, hitting hard the consumers.

Russia offers to export food items to Bangladesh

Russia wants to sell its different food products to Bangladesh in order to diversify its export market amid sanctions on the former by the western world over invasion of Ukraine. Under the proposal, Russia has offered to supply its food products, including red lentils, green lentils, sunflower oil

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh is also actively considering to send rescue team to Syria as rescuers continue struggling to save lives in the aftermath of the massive twin earthquakes and aftershocks.

"It's under our active consideration," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

At the weekly media briefing, she also said two rescued Bangladeshi students Nur-e-Alam and Md Golam Syed Rinku are undergoing treatment.

"Bangladesh Mission in Turkey is in constant touch with them and their family members," said the Spokesperson.

Bangladesh has already sent a 61-member rescue team to Turkey.

Seheli Sabrin said 19 Bangladeshis who were stuck in the most earthquake-affected region in Turkey were shifted to Ankara on Thursday.

Bangladesh may send rescue team to Syria: MoFA

Bangladesh is also actively considering to send rescue team to Syria as rescuers continue struggling to save lives in the aftermath of the massive twin earthquakes and aftershocks. "It's under our active consideration," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told reporters on...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh is also actively considering to send rescue team to Syria as rescuers continue struggling to save lives in the aftermath of the massive twin earthquakes and aftershocks.

"It's under our active consideration," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

At the weekly media briefing, she also said two rescued Bangladeshi students Nur-e-Alam and Md Golam Syed Rinku are undergoing treatment.

"Bangladesh Mission in Turkey is in constant touch with them and their family members," said the Spokesperson.

Bangladesh has already sent a 61-member rescue team to Turkey.

Seheli Sabrin said 19 Bangladeshis who were stuck in the most earthquake-affected region in Turkey were shifted to Ankara on Thursday.

Bangladesh may send rescue team to Syria: MoFA

Bangladesh is also actively considering to send rescue team to Syria as rescuers continue struggling to save lives in the aftermath of the massive twin earthquakes and aftershocks. "It's under our active consideration," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told reporters on...

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh is set to send humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the earthquake victims of Syria.

Bangladesh Air Force C-130J aircraft would transport the aid via the Dhaka-Jordan-Syria route, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Bangladesh Air Force Group Captain Jamil Uddin Ahmed will lead this mission. The relief aid would include tents, blankets, sweaters, dry food, and medicine.

The aircraft will leave Bangladesh for Syria on Friday night.

Bangladesh to send humanitarian aid to Syria

A Bangladesh Air Force aircraft would leave for Syria on Friday night

www.dhakatribune.com

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1623755398586208258

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh is set to send humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the earthquake victims of Syria.

Bangladesh Air Force C-130J aircraft would transport the aid via the Dhaka-Jordan-Syria route, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Bangladesh Air Force Group Captain Jamil Uddin Ahmed will lead this mission. The relief aid would include tents, blankets, sweaters, dry food, and medicine.

The aircraft will leave Bangladesh for Syria on Friday night.

Bangladesh to send humanitarian aid to Syria

A Bangladesh Air Force aircraft would leave for Syria on Friday night

www.dhakatribune.com

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1624369405172785152

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh and Botswana are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in agriculture and livestock areas and to exchange visits of agricultural experts, a release said on Sunday.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and Botswana Minister of Agriculture Fidelis M Malao agreed to exchange technical knowledge and training in agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture areas during a bilateral meeting in Gaborone on Friday.

Shariar Alam is on a two-day official visit to Botswana. He was accompanied by the high commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa and foreign ministry officials.

Highlighting Bangladesh's ability of huge production of food staples, vegetables, fisheries, poultry and livestock in its small amount of land, the state minister proposed to the Botswana side to consider contract farming by the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in the unutilised agricultural land of Botswana.

The Botswana side expressed keen interest in concluding the MoU on cooperation in agriculture and contract farming between Bangladesh and Botswana.

Underlining the need for establishing contacts between the agricultural experts and producers of the two countries, Fidelis M Malao invited an agricultural expert delegation from Bangladesh to visit Botswana.

Bangladesh- Botswana to sign MoU on cooperation in agriculture, contract farming

Bangladesh and Botswana are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in agriculture and livestock areas and to exchange visits of agricultural experts, a release said on Sunday. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and Botswana Minister of Agriculture Fidelis M...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1625722943719317504

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines co-hosts a 5-day military operational planning course with the Canadian Armed Forces starting today in Clark, Pampanga.

Thirty-five officers from the AFP and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam are attending the course.

Ambassador David Hartman, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines graced the event. The Chief of Staff, AFP, Gen Andres Centino, represented by BGen Noel D Beleran PN(M), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training and Doctrine, J8 extends his appreciation to the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Department of National Defense of Canada for sponsoring the course.

He also emphasized that the AFP puts primacy on fostering stronger and broader collaboration with foreign counterparts.

“This is truly significant for the AFP as this marks the robust partnership between the Philippines and Canada that particularly benefits the AFP in terms of capability enhancement,” J8 added.///(Photos by PAOAFP)

https://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/8-afp-news/1564-afp-co-hosts-a-military-training-course-with-the-canadian-armed-forces

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1625720234786304001

The Defence Advisor at Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka, Commodore Md Shafiul Bari called on the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo today (14th February 2023).

During their maiden official interaction, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Commodore Md Shafiul Bari exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance. Naval Assistant to Commander of the Navy Commodore Kosala Warnakulasooriya was also present on this occasion.

At the end of the cordial discussion mementoes were also exchanged as a symbol of cooperation and goodwill.

https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2023/02/14/202302141700/

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1627274297449533442

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1627227137819156480

 

[Isa Khan]

Amidst a huge crowd, Argentina's Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday inaugurated the new embassy of the South American country in Dhaka's Banani area.

“It's a momentous and joyous moment. It's not just a diplomatic gesture. It's an emotional moment," said Shahriar Alam.

The Argentine foreign minister described the moment as a “stepping stone to make better and stronger relations between the two countries.”

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka also joined the function.

Argentina reopened its embassy here after 45 years.

The Argentine embassy in Dhaka was closed in 1978 by the military junta that ruled the Latin American country at the time.

Diplomatic operations, such as visas in order to travel, have since been handled by the embassy in neighbouring India.

Argentina says it is convenient to reopen the embassy in accordance with foreign policy guidelines based on “political, strategic and commercial” reasons.

The Argentine minister arrived in Dhaka this morning to inaugurate the new Embassy and deepen trade and cultural ties.

Foreign Minister Momen will have a bilateral meeting with his Argentine counterpart at state guesthouse Jamuna this evening to discuss trade and investment issues.

The meeting is likely to begin at 6pm.

Momen will also host a dinner in honour of the Argentine foreign minister after the bilateral talks.

Apart from reopening the Argentine embassy in Dhaka, Cafiero is likely to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi.

“There is also the possibility of signing visa exemption agreements on diplomatic and official passports, MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and diplomatic training academies of the two countries,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told reporters recently.

The two countries are working on a memorandum of understanding on football related matters as well, she said.

Apart from the import of soybean oil and wheat from Argentina, the two sides are likely to discuss Bangladesh's inclusion in South America's powerful economic alliance Mercosur.

Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, is an economic and political bloc originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The Argentine visiting team is likely to enjoy a friendly match between two teams comprising Bangladesh's junior footballers as well as meeting with football officials.

Argentine foreign minister arrives in Dhaka

He will open the Argentine Embassy in Dhaka on Monday

www.dhakatribune.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladeshi nationals will now get dual citizenship of 101 other countries, along with the citizenship of Bangladesh.

The cabinet has approved the proposal to issue an SRO (State Regulatory Order) on providing dual citizenship benefits to Bangladeshis holding citizenship of different countries.

This approval was given on Monday in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The meeting was held in the cabinet meeting room of the Prime Minister's office, reports Bangla Tribune.

Later in the Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain briefed the journalists.

The secretary said that previously Bangladeshis could be citizens of 57 countries. Now 44 new countries have been added. As a result, Bangladeshis can now be citizens of a total of 101 countries in addition to their own.

The newly added countries are: Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Libya, Congo, Liberia, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Botswana, Mauritius of Africa; Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, Guyana of South America; Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bahama, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and Grenadine, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis of the Caribbean region; and Fiji of Oceania.

Besides, the secretary also said that Qatar will appoint 1135 army officers from Bangladesh.

The cabinet approved a draft agreement between Bangladesh and Qatar, keeping such a provision.

Bangladeshis can now avail dual citizenship in 101 countries

The cabinet approves the proposal to issue an SRO in this regard

www.dhakatribune.com

 

[Isa Khan]

The government has moved to bring back surplus funds from Bangladesh embassies and high commissions abroad in a bid to strengthen depleting foreign reserves.

The Bangladesh Bank has recently issued a letter to the foreign missions asking them to send back unspent funds and a few embassies have already sent back money at their disposal.

On 5 January, the Bangladeshi High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa deposited £97,461 in the Bangladesh Bank's account in the Bank of England. The Bangladesh Bank deposited the equivalent amount in local currency – Tk1,17,47,000 (at Tk120.53 per pound) – to the government treasury.

Similarly, the Defence Wing of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India has deposited $9,980 in the Bangladesh Bank's account in New York's Standard Chartered Bank and the Bangladesh Bank deposited the equivalent Tk9,98,000 (at Tk96 per dollar) to the government treasury on 22 January.

Surplus funds have also been deposited from an embassy in China and a Deputy High Commission in India, say sources.

Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Md Mezbaul Haque told The Business Standard (TBS) that all government transactions are conducted through Bangladesh Bank. As a result, if money is given to the government at home or abroad, it will be deposited in the Bangladesh Bank account.

However, he refrained from disclosing the exact number of embassies or high commissions that had sent unspent funds.

Bangladesh has 80 embassies or high commission offices in different countries around the world. These offices are funded by the government to meet special needs beyond their regular expenses. This funding comes from the Diplomatic and Consular Services Account of the Government of Bangladesh. In some cases, the money sent from the government is not fully spent. Usually, the embassies and high commissions immediately return unspent money as part of the due process and audit is also done immediately. But due to the foreign exchange crisis this year, the Bangladesh Bank has sent a letter to the embassies and missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the government to send back the unspent money quickly.

Former foreign secretary Md Shahidul Haque told TBS that usually the embassies or the high commissions do not have extra money beyond the budget allocation. If additional money is sent due to the visit of the head of the state or for any other reason, the account of that money is settled immediately after the event is over. As a result, he does not think the embassies will have any significant funds.

Information on how much money was sent to how many countries this year was not available. However, an official of the Ministry of Finance said that the government has taken the initiative to achieve frugality in spending. The government's austerity in foreign exchange is even tighter, due to which all types of foreign travel have been stopped.

Embassies and missions have also been instructed to cut costs. Besides, the embassies which have the opportunity to increase their foreign exchange income, have been advised to increase their income. Embassies usually earn money by issuing passports. As many passports as are required by embassies located abroad are being issued on an urgent basis. Since, Bangladeshis living abroad pay the passport fee in foreign currency. It increases the foreign exchange income of the government.

Missions abroad asked to send unspent forex back home

The government has moved to bring back surplus funds from Bangladesh embassies and high commissions abroad in a bid to strengthen depleting foreign reserves. The Bangladesh Bank has recently issued a letter to the foreign missions asking them to send back unspent funds and a few embassies have...

www.tbsnews.net