Bangladesh News Bangladesh Foreign Affairs

[Isa Khan]

Vietnam has expressed interest in launching direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka to facilitate the travel of tourists and people of the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien expressed this interest while holding a meeting with State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali at the latter's office at the secretariat, said a press release.

Recalling with gratitude the support of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the people of Vietnam in the liberation war of Vietnam, the ambassador said that both Bangladesh and Vietnam have come a long way.

"If direct communication is established by air, the relationship between the people of these two friendly countries will be further enhanced," Pham Viet Chien said.

He further said that the nature, rich culture, heritage and friendly people of Bangladesh are the great assets of Bangladesh's tourism industry.

Bangladesh has all the potential to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, added the ambassador.

The tourism and civil aviation sectors will play an important role in developing the field of cooperation between the two countries in the future, he added.

Mahbub Ali said the two countries have plenty of opportunities to work together for the development of tourism industry and aviation sector.

The launch of direct flights between Bangladesh and Vietnam will boost trade and commerce between the two countries as well as connecting people, he also said.

The state minister further said that a tourism master plan is being formulated for the overall development of Bangladesh's tourism industry.

Padma Bridge, Metrorail, Railway line to Cox's Bazar up to Ghumdum, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal and various other infrastructural development work is underway which will play a vital role in the development of tourism industry.

Vietnam interested in launching flights between Hanoi and Dhaka

Vietnam has expressed interest in launching direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka to facilitate the travel of tourists and people of the two countries.

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Switzerland today proposed to sign an aviation agreement with Bangladesh.

The Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard handed over the proposal while meeting the state minister for civil aviation Md Mahbub Ali at the latter's Secretariat office.

Chuard said that Switzerland wants to sign an agreement to celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations between the countries, and to increase trade and commercial relations, including tourism.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in working together to develop the tourism industry.

During the meeting, Mahbub Ali said that Switzerland's proposal will go through due process before implementation. The agreement will increase the communication, trade, and commerce relations between the people of the two countries.

Switzerland proposes aviation agreement with Bangladesh

Switzerland today proposed to sign an aviation agreement with Bangladesh.

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[Isa Khan]

Experts and government officials are eying expanded trade relations with Mexico by penetrating into the second largest economy of Latin America next year.

“The current trade volume between Bangladesh and Mexico is hovering around $300 million. From that, exports to Mexico are over $290 million, while Latin America’s exports from our market are less than $10 million” Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Abida Islam told Dhaka Tribune recently.

Bangladesh should diversify its export basket to penetrate into Mexican markets with products like jute and jute goods, leather goods, pharmaceuticals and high-end readymade garments, she also said.

Mexico is among the 15 largest economies in the world and the second largest economy in Latin America, said Abida Islam.

The country is the third largest economy in North America and is swiftly becoming a modernized nation with more industrial and service sectors to maintain and promote economic growth nationwide.

“Considering the size of the population and the buying capacity of Mexico, Bangladesh has high prospect of increasing trade relations with the Latin American market” said the Bangladeshi envoy.

In 2019, exports of goods and services of Mexico grew by 1.1%, reaching $490.7 billion; while imports decreased by 1.1%, reaching $503.4 billion - taking trade balance to a surplus of $5.4 billion.

Other destinations for Mexican exports include the EU (4.7%) and Canada (3.1%). As per imports, the main origins include the US (46.6%), China (18%), the EU (11.4%) and Japan (3.9%).

On July 1, 2020, the USMCA trade agreement entered into force in all member states, replacing NAFTA.

Like many other industrial countries worldwide, Mexico experienced an economic downturn last year. But the economy of Mexico has started picking up after massive vaccination of the total population and containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, said the veteran diplomat.

A director of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) told Dhaka Tribune that Bangladesh can boost its export to $1 billion in the next five years by diversifying the export basket.”

Meanwhile, Jannatul Ferdous Nipa, vice-president of Indian Importers Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and also director of Bangladesh Garments Executive Association, said last week that Mexico's textile and clothing sector was currently one of the country's most powerful, with annual exports of $7 billion. Due to growth of automotive, aerospace and medical services, demand for technical textiles, industrial fabrics and specialty apparel has increased over there.

Bangladesh mainly exports cotton, textiles and shoes to Mexico and Mexico mainly exports motors for elevators to Bangladesh.

Nipa, also a foreign exports analyst, said that many Mexican entrepreneurs expressed their excitement to visit Bangladesh for possible trade relations.

They also encouraged Bangladesh businessmen to participate in two different mega fairs – Intermoda and Puebla.

Bangladesh’s introduction at this fair would really set an example and help the country move forward with this incredible opportunity and show to be a win for both countries, she also said.

Mexico is truly the land of beauty, rainforests, great food and a billion-dollar textile industry. The country’s first textile factory was established in Puebla in 1830 and as the years went by the competencies of manufacturing have improved and the sectors growth has evolved, Nipa added

Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam MP during his recent visit to Mexico held talks with Mexican Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade Luz Maria de la Mora Sanchez in Mexico City.

Bangladesh and Mexico signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) to start a dialogue to expand bilateral relations including strengthening trade and commerce.

Mexican and Bangladeshi business communities have set a target to uplift the trade figure above $1 billion.

Shahriar Alam also participated in the MoU signing ceremony between FBCCI and Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE) during a breakfast meeting with Mexican business persons, organized by the Bangladesh Embassy.

Mexico and Latin America, a large market waiting for Bangladesh

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A number of UK-based companies are looking to invest in different sectors in Bangladesh, including financial services, health and education, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said on Thursday.

During a visit to The Business Standard office on Thursday Dickson emphasised Bangladesh's potential as a prospective investment hub, but said the country needed to make improvements in a number of areas first.

He said issues with the National Board of Revenue, which are sometimes faced by UK firms such as British American Tobacco, Unilever and HSBC – some of the biggest taxpayers in Bangladesh – needed to be looked into.

The high commissioner also recommended working on issues such as contract enforcement and intellectual property rights.

"New companies from the UK want to come invest in Bangladesh and we are trying to get them here," he said.

"The UK is an 80% service economy…We have some companies that want to come in and want to set up manufacturing, but on the whole the sort of companies that will provide the kind of things Bangladesh really needs and wants as it graduates, are services: financial services, health services and education services," Dickson said, listing the priority areas of potential British investors.

Highlighting the education sector, he said UK universities were also looking to make investments in universities in Bangladesh.

"I have been working on this for two years…but we are still waiting for approval from the University Grants Commission," he said. Saying the Cross Border Higher Education Act, which would help facilitate university partnerships and programmes, had been introduced, Dickson pointed out that it was yet to be implemented.

"We offer a number of scholarships, but if universities invest here, then it will be more cost effective," he said, adding, this was an opportunity for UK-based universities to "develop a whole new customer base."

Revisiting some infrastructural issues, the high commissioner mentioned that work was also being done on tax reforms.

In this regard, Mahesh Mishra, counsellor, Prosperity and Economic Growth of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office at the high commission, pointed out that Bangladesh's tax-GDP ratio was 8%, which was poor. If Bangladesh wants to self-finance, redistribute wealth and reduce inequality, then it would have to improve the ratio, he added.

On the capital market, High Commissioner Dickson said financial companies had a significant interest in investing in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC status will be a massive achievement. But to sustain this growth for the next decade or two, it will need more finance," he said.

Terming the country intriguing for UK investors, he said Bangladesh needed to foster better access to its capital market.

Underlining the need for the big institutions in the country's capital market, Dickson said it was currently thin and heavily-reliant on retailers. "It's a casino-like market," he said.

Dickson called for more instruments that savers could invest in, terming them transformative.

"The best place to find finance is from the private sector and to do that you need a highly developed capital market. London would be a great place to turn to raising private capital," he said.

Mishra echoed the views and highlighted that the country had a number of pension schemes with the money invested in low-yielding instruments. He said this could be opened up to something more high-yielding.

High Commissioner Dickson, in this regard, said it was important to take a policy approach to attracting foreign investment in the capital market, and that certain laws had to be adjusted. "We can help officials develop a system. The UK has expertise in this area," he said, adding that the investment environment had to be more conducive to making and repatriating profits.

Dickson also lauded the method behind achieving Bangladesh's prosperity. "I think if you look at where the economic prosperity has come from, it's been the ability to put a large number of semi- and low-skilled workers to work in large factories."

On the planned 100 new economic zones in Bangladesh, Mishra said it was a good strategy, adding that focus should be on developing small areas first and then taking it from there.

The high commissioner, however, underscored the need for diversification, saying most of Bangladesh's success came from one sector, but last year showed how vulnerable it was. Saying dealing with a small group of buyers in a small number of countries was risky, Dickson pointed out the other areas Bangladesh was doing well in.

He highlighted the country's success in ceramics and pharmaceuticals, even adding that Bangladesh was now exporting bicycles.

"Manufacturing base will have to expand into new and different sectors. And what is also needed is basic infrastructure…better railways, better roads," he said.

In terms of climate change, he said the plan was to wean the world off coal, adding that Bangladesh had at least reduced the number of planned coal-fired power plants. He also identified offshore wind and hydropower as ways forward, saying Bangladesh could get 40 gigawatts from Bhutan alone. "But there has to be a regional agreement in this regard," he said.

"Globally we are putting a huge amount of effort into trying to meet the commitments that will enable the world to meet Paris Agreement requirements, which are demanding," Dickson said.

On the Rohingya issue, Dickson said it was tragic. "We are strong supporters of safe, dignified repatriation," he said.

The high commissioner said that the UK was doing everything it could to ensure repatriation, but the current situation in Myanmar – the recent coup – fomented greater insecurity in the country, which has stalled the return of the Rohingyas.

"I think the world is divided [regarding Rohingya repatriation]. It makes it difficult to put pressure on Myanmar, but we try," he said, assuring the UK was doing everything so that the Rohingya issue would not be forgotten.

The high commissioner's team also included Deputy Director for the Department for International Trade, Khalid Mustafiz Gaffar, Head of the Press Section at the high commission Francis Jacks and Senior Press Officer and Bengali Spokesperson Meher Jerin.

TBS Editor Inam Ahmed, Executive Editor Sharier Khan, Managing Editor Chowdhury Khaled Masood, along with others, were present during the high commissioner's visit and subsequent meet-and-greet.

UK firms keen to invest in Bangladesh’s service sectors: High Commissioner

A number of UK-based companies are looking to invest in different sectors in Bangladesh, including financial services, health and education, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said on Thursday. During a visit to The Business Standard office on Thursday Dickson...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has highlighted the importance Sri Lanka attaches to strengthening relations with Bangladesh especially economic cooperation.

The Minister made this observation during a courtesy call by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md. Ariful Islam at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The Minister, while recalling the strong relations between the two countries thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the continued support and cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in multilateral fora, particularly at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Minister also discussed a wide range of bilateral matters with High Commissioner Ariful Islam including joint tourism ventures, sharing intelligence in combating and countering terrorism and expansion of trade within the region.

Considering the vast potential of trade in the South Asian region, Foreign Minister Peiris highlighted the need for both countries to work in close collaboration to reap the benefits of international and regional trade pacts, especially in the apparel sector, as Bangladesh is one of the top manufacturers of high quality garments.The Bangladesh High Commissioner emphasized the importance of enhancing shipping cooperation between the two countries and the early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), as tangible measures to boost bilateral trade relations in the years ahead.

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh next year was also discussed during the meeting.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka to enhance cooperation in all spheres

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has highlighted the importance Sri Lanka attaches to strengthening relations with Bangladesh especially economic cooperation. The Minister made this observation during a courtesy call by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md. Ariful Islam at...

www.dailynews.lk

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed at the army headquarters on Thursday.

They exchanged greetings and discussed the existing friendly ties between the armies of the two countries, read a press release.

Various aspects of future progress were also discussed during the meeting. The army chief thanked the British ambassador for the visit.

UK envoy calls on army chief

They discussed the existing friendly ties between the armies of the two countries

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[Isa Khan]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sought constant support from Russia for building another nuclear power plant in Bangladesh's southern region.

"Once the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is completed, we'll go for setting up another in the southern region of the country. We need constant Russian support in this regard," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia Alexey Likhachev met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the Rosatom DG also expressed their country's willingness to continue support to Bangladesh's power sector.

Hasina said the Rooppur Power Plant is the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh which is being built with the help of Russia.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate security measures in the plant and asked the Rosatom DG to train Bangladeshi people in this regard.

She appreciated Russia for extending its help to construct the first-ever nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said the pandemic has slightly slowed down the country's overall development, and Bangladesh is now in the process of recovery.

She recalled with gratitude the assistance and cooperation of the then Russian Federation during Bangladesh's Independence War and rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

Alexey Likhachev highly appreciated Sheikh Hasina's strong support and guidance towards Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and said the cooperation between the two countries has entered an atomic sphere. "Bangladesh will become a nuclear energy power by 2023," he said.

Describing the present status of the project, Likhachev, "We've all the technical aspects and the security measures into account."

About the completion of the ongoing project, he said the timeline may be adjusted.

Regarding training, he said they will train Bangladeshis to run the plant and will also give attention to social development in the project area.

He said more than 20,000 Bangladeshi people are working in the project while some local companies have been given various jobs on sub-contracts. "They're remarkable," he said.

The Rosatom DG also praised and thanked the Science and Technology Ministry and Atomic Energy Commission for its all-out support and cooperation.

He thanked the Health Ministry for its cooperation in vaccinating 90 percent of the Russian people working in the project.

Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman, Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and Secretary of Science and Technology Ministry Ziaul Hasan were also present.

Hasina seeks Russia’s support for building 2nd nuke plant

“Once the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is completed, we’ll go for setting up another in the southern region of the country. We need constant Russian support in this regard,” she said

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

The Bangladesh Navy and the British Royal Navy have some possibilities for working closely together in the field of maritime security, said Robert Chatterton Dickson, the British high commissioner to Bangladesh.

"We are actively working with the Bangladesh Navy. There are more things we can do in terms of equipment, which has exciting possibilities, and in terms of training," he said, responding to a question at a Chattogram port press briefing, after the Royal Navy warship, HMS Kent, arrived in Chattogram yesterday.

The Royal Navy ship has come to commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of Independence.

"We already have a very long and deep relationship between the Royal Navy and the Bangladesh Navy. Many Bangladesh navy ships originated in the royal navy and many Bangladesh navy officers received training in the UK, so there is a very strong foundation," said the British high commissioner.

He said after 2008, this is the first royal navy ship that has come to Bangladesh. Having this ship in Chattogram is a very visible sign of the specific tools of UK foreign policy.

"We are also increasing partnership with fast-growing, fast emerging economies like that here in Bangladesh," he said.

"In the wonderful golden jubilee year, we are celebrating the people-to-people relationship between our two countries," the British high commissioner continued.

At the press briefing, Commander MJ Sykes, commanding officer of the HMS Kent, thanked the Bangladesh Navy for their warm welcome.

He said, "We are delighted to be here to celebrate a very close relationship between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh and between the Royal Navy and the Bangladesh Navy."

The HMS Kent arrived at Chattogram Port Jetty yesterday morning.

Upon its arrival, the ship was welcomed by Chief Staff Officer, Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Captain SM Moyeen Uddin. The British defense adviser in Dhaka and other senior naval officials were present during the welcome ceremony.

Earlier, when the ship reached the waters of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Abu Bakar accorded it a traditional welcome.

During this friendly visit, Commander MJ Sykes, will call on the Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Commander BN Fleet, and chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, said a press release.

Officers and sailors of HMS Kent will visit the Bangladesh Naval Academy, BNS Shaheed Moazzam naval base, the War Cemetery, BN Ashar Alo School and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Special Needs, and various other tourist and historical sites in Chattogram.

Friendly sports and cultural programmes are also planned for their visit.

On completion of the visit, the ship is expected leave Chattogram port on 18 October, 2021.

Potential for Bangladesh, UK joint work in maritime security: British high commissioner

The British Royal Navy warship HMS Kent arrived at Chattogram port yesterday on a friendly visit

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Laying emphasis on expanding the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought Russian investment in Bangladesh's jute sector.

Sheikh Hasina said this when newly-appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said both agreed to explore potential in Bangladesh's agriculture sector and expand cooperation in other areas.

Hasina highly appreciated Russia's cooperation with Bangladesh in its various sectors, particularly the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

She recalled the cooperation and assistance of the then Soviet Union during the Liberation War of Bangladesh and after its independence.

The Prime Minister mentioned that many students had studied in Russia, especially in its medical colleges, and said those who had helped Bangladesh during its trying time have special places in the hearts of the people of this country.

She also said Bangladesh will be happy to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin here if he visits Bangladesh.

Alexander Mantytskiy said he had been in Dhaka 20 years back and now found Bangladesh's present development massive and remarkable.

He mentioned that the friendship between Bangladesh and Russian started back in 1971 when the then Soviet Union had extended cooperation to Bangladesh.

Mantytskiy mentioned that Bangladesh and Russia are working closely in the United Nations, while the trade and commerce between the two countries have increased substantially.

Mantytskiy also expressed his country's interest in building the second nuclear power plant in Bangladesh on completion of the Rooppur Power Plant.

Talking about various agreements between the two countries, he said those have to be updated, and put emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the defence sector.

Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present at the meeting.

Hasina seeks Russian investment in jute sector

Russia keen to build second nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, says envoy

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[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

Swiss entrepreneurs are interested to invest in Bangladesh's leather sector, Switzerland's Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard said today.

The Swiss envoy shared the information in a meeting with Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun at the latter's office in Dhaka.

The minister praised the Swiss entrepreneurs for their interest in Bangladesh.

The Swiss envoy later handed over a letter to the minister from a Zurich-based tannery, which wants to take a tour of the Savar's tannery estate.

During the meeting, the two agreed to work together on issues such as patents, designs, trademarks of products and services, and geographical indication products for the protection of intellectual property.

The industries minister also called upon the Swiss ambassador to increase imports of textile and garment products from Bangladesh.

According to the Swiss Federal Customs Administration, goods worth about 610 million francs were traded between the two countries in 2020.

Of this, Bangladesh exported 60 million Swiss francs and Bangladesh imported goods worth 13 million Swiss francs.

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana were also present.

Swiss entrepreneurs want to invest in Bangladesh’s leather sector: Swiss envoy

Swiss entrepreneurs are interested to invest in Bangladesh's leather sector, Switzerland's Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard said today.

www.thedailystar.net

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh on Sunday offered Nepal to use its both Mongla and Paira ports.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the offer when Nepalese Ambassador Dr Banshidhar Mishra met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is developing Syedpur Airport as a regional one and Nepal can use that airport.

She recalled with gratitude Nepal's support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

The Nepalese envoy sought cooperation from Bangladesh for the development of their agriculture sector.

He also praised Bangladesh’s overall development saying that they are moved by its economic development.

The envoy thanked the Prime Minister as Nepal always gets Bangladesh beside them during their needs and recalled its medical assistance after a massive earthquake hit their country.

He thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of his country's President and Prime Minister as she sent Haribhanga mango as a gift.

Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present at the meeting.

Nepal can use Mongla and Paira ports, Hasina tells envoy

Bangladesh on Sunday offered Nepal to use its both Mongla and Paira ports. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the offer when Nepalese Ambassador Dr Banshidhar Mishra met her at her official residence Ganobhaban. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. The Prime...

www.theindependentbd.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Chief of Army Staff, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka on Sunday night to visit South Korea on an official occasion.

On invitation of Republic of Korea's Chief of Staff Nam Yeong Shin, Bangladesh Army chief will take part in the International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition 2021.

A delegated five-member team of the Bangladesh Army led by the Chief is visiting South Korea.

Bangladesh Army Chief will meet the South Korean Minister of National Defence, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Air Force, and other senior officials of Korea during his visit.

He will discuss the bilateral relationship and mutual cooperation between the two nations.

The chief is scheduled to return on Saturday, 23 October.

Army chief leaves for South Korea on an official visit

Bangladesh Army chief will take part in the International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition 2021

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Germany today expressed its interest to cooperate Bangladesh on climate and energy issues.

"We want to cooperate Bangladesh in climate and energy sectors" said newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troester while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence here.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed newsmen after the meeting.

The envoy said the two countries are passing 50 years of their diplomatic relations.

He appreciated overall Bangladesh's development and the mechanism to tackle the Covid-19 situation aptly.

The envoy said the death rate is relatively very low in comparison with the other countries.

On the climate change issue, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has started the adaptation and mitigation programmes with its own resources.

The Prime Minister highlighted various measures taken by her government and said a total of six crore doses (with single and double doses) have so far been given to Bangladeshi people.

She recalled with gratitude Germany's cooperation during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

The Prime Minister said many German families adopted "war babies" after the Liberation War.

Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present.

Germany keen to help Bangladesh on climate, energy issues

Germany today expressed its interest to cooperate Bangladesh on climate and energy issues. "We want to cooperate Bangladesh in climate and energy sectors" said newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troester while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

Dhaka has underscored the need for the early implementation of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal motor vehicles pact for regional connectivity and cooperation with Kathmandu in the areas of energy and trade.

Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen raised the issue with the Nepalese ambassador in Dhaka, Banshidhar Mishra, at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday.

Momen also highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal during the meeting.

On his part, the Ambassador of Nepal underscored the necessity of enhanced trade and commerce between the two countries through early conclusion of Preferential Trade Agreement.

He expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister for the support extended to him during his tenure.

The ambassador requested the Bangladesh government to simplify the visa regime for increasing people-to-people contact.

Banshidhar presented his credentials to the President of Bangladesh in September 2019 as ambassador of Nepal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He is scheduled to leave Dhaka on October 21 upon completion of his diplomatic assignment.

BBIN pact to boost Bangladesh, Nepal ties: Momen

Dhaka has underscored the need for early implementation of BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) motor vehicles pact for regional connectivity and cooperation with Kathmandu in the areas...

www.newagebd.net

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rizwan Rahman on Monday urged Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in the country’s infrastructure, railways, health care, agro machineries and agro product processing, tourism, IT and ITES, automotive and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient sectors.

He made the call while meeting with Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh Francisco de Asis Benites Salas at the DCCI in the city, said a press release.

In his welcome remarks, Rizwan Rahman said the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Spain was $2.37 billion in FY2019-20, of which, export and import related trade of the country was $2.19 billion and $177.98 million respectively.

He opined that export from Bangladesh to Spain is heavily concentrated on the country’s RMG products, but Bangladeshi footwear, carpet and floor covering, jute goods, bicycle, plastic, consumer goods, dairy products also have huge potential to export in Spain.

DCCI president urged the Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in infrastructure, railways, health care, agro machineries and agro product processing, tourism, IT and ITES, automotive and API sectors of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has made a tremendous economic success in recent years, which is a role model for the rest of the world, Francisco mentioned.

He opined that there is huge scope to improve bilateral trade between both the countries and Spanish entrepreneurs can invest in tourism, infrastructure, Railways, health care, automotive in Bangladesh.

He said Spain hold the first position to produce agricultural products and in agro processing business, Bangladesh can use Spanish experience and technological know-how to improve in this sector.

The Spanish ambassador also proposed to use their experience and knowledge to preserve the historic and heritage sites in Bangladesh, so that Bangladesh can attract more tourists from home and abroad.

DCCI senior vice-president NKA Mobin, its vice-president Monowar Hossain and commercial counsellor of Spanish Embassy Francisco Javier Yepes were also present in the meeting.

DCCI asks Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rizwan Rahman on Monday urged Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in the country’s infrastructure, railways, health care, agro machineries and agro product processing, tourism, IT and ITES, automotive and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient sectors...

www.newagebd.net

 

[Isa Khan]

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[Isa Khan]

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer has said his country will drive a clean-energy supply-chain initiative for the Indo-Pacific region and can assist countries like Bangladesh with energy resources, including renewable, to help fuel Bangladesh's growth.

He said Australia released the first "Low Emissions Technology Statement" under the technology investment roadmap and they are keen to cooperate with Bangladesh in this area.

"The prosperity of our region depends on Australia remaining a reliable and responsible energy partner of choice in the clean-energy global economy," said the High Commissioner, adding that they will consider a sizable financial contribution to ensure it delivers.

The Australian envoy made the remarks while delivering his keynote speech at a virtual dialogue titled "Bangladesh-Australia Relations: Prognosis for the Future."

Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as part of its ongoing Ambassadors' Lecture Series.

The opening remarks were delivered by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.

Former Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Professor at International Relations Department of Dhaka University Imtiaz Ahmed, Brig Gen (retd) Shahedul Anam Khan and Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation Ambassador (retd) Tariq A Karim comprised the panel of discussants.

Enayetullah Khan said Australia has been seen as a trusted development partner in Bangladesh since the 1970s and recalled the broadcast of Bangladesh's declaration of independence on Radio Australia, through which the rest of the world first came to know about it.

When independence finally came, he said, Australia became the 4th country and the first among the developed world to accord Bangladesh recognition on January 31, 1972.

The two countries, Khan said, continue to find new paths of collaboration and connection between their people, institutions and businesses.

Dr Iftekhar said Bangladesh-Australia ties go far beyond curry and cricket and shared liberal values rendered the two countries natural partners.

"We're also looking for expanded collaboration in the whole range of activities -- e-commerce, infrastructure, power and energy, water, sanitation, hygiene; and tapping potential in the blue economy – our maritime resources," he said.

High Commissioner Bruer said Australia has the potential to be a major supplier of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and other energy resources, including renewable energy to fuel Bangladesh's growth. "We'd welcome support for expanded commercial energy partnerships."

He said Australia has a plan that will ensure they meet their commitments and help its partners achieve theirs by developing at scale and cost the clean-energy technologies that all need.

"Our plan -- the long-term emissions reduction strategy outlines how Australia will harness low emissions technologies to meet its net zero commitments and continue to supply reliable and clean energy," said the envoy.

The plan, he said, is backed by Australian government investment of $20 billion in low emissions technologies in the decade to 2030.

During that same period, the Australian High Commissioner said, they expect to leverage a further $80 billion of total investment from the private sector to support the commercialisation of technologies that they need to bring emissions down in Australia and around the world.

Australia's focus is on cost-breakthroughs in clean hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, carbon-capture and storage low-carbon steel and aluminium and soil carbon measurement, he said.

Removing the green premium, the price difference between current technologies and low emissions solutions is the key to widespread global adoption.

Tariq Karim said Bangladesh needs to make a transition to clean energy from dirty energy, but it will not happen overnight.

"I recognize that. You can't suddenly shut down coal-powered plants. If we do that in Bangladesh, our economic activities will hamper abruptly. But we've to make a transition," said the noted diplomat.

In a sense, he said, Australia can help Bangladesh in such a transition. "But I'm disappointed that Australia is not there in the picture. Australia is the largest repository of natural gas. I think even more than Qatar or perhaps equal in Qatar. But we are importing LNG now from sources other than Australia."

Tariq said Australia can come forward and support Bangladesh's efforts towards transitioning from dirty power plants to cleaner power plants.

"Without fuel, the engines of growth will stop running everywhere and we'll have to find new fuel. We're of course diverting to cleaner sources. We've fallen back on nuclear energy which has been our long-cherished dream, and the Prime Minister is talking about the second nuclear power plant," he said.

But nuclear energy also requires having a more disciplined approach to deal with it because this boon can easily become a big disaster, the diplomat opined.

Australia keen to assist Bangladesh with energy resources, renewable to expedite growth: Envoy

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer has said his country will drive a clean-energy supply-chain initiative for the Indo-Pacific region and can assist countries like Bangladesh with energy resources, including renewable, to help fuel Bangladesh's growth. He said Australia...

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Stating Canada as one of the top trading partners of Bangladesh, President of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Mahbubul Alam called for increasing Canadian investment.

Mahbubul Alam made the call during a meeting with Angela Dark, Counselor (Commercial Affairs) of the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon at the chamber's office at World Trade Centre in Chattogram.

At that time, Mahbubul Alam emphasised on establishing links between the concerned traders of both the countries to make the import-export trade more economical and expressed his interest to work together with the Canada Chamber of Commerce in this regard.

Mahbubul Alam further said that Bangladesh will attract about 15 billion US dollars in foreign investment through the Mirsarai Economic Zone.

Counsellor Angela Dark said that Bangladesh's economy is growing very fast and Canadian companies are more interested in setting up industries in Bangladesh than other Asian countries.

Angela said, "Therefore, it is very important to establish communication between the concerned."

Angela emphasised on diversification of goods to increase imports and exports of both countries.

Pointing out existing trade problems in Bangladesh, she said that both the countries would benefit by taking advantage of the possibilities by resolving them through discussions at the forthcoming Joint Working Group meeting.

CCCI President calls for increasing Canadian investment in Bangladesh

Mahbubul Alam further said that Bangladesh will attract about 15 billion US dollars in foreign investment through the Mirsarai Economic Zone

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Bangladesh will receive a $700 million soft loan from South Korea, 2021-2025, for sustainable economic recovery, improving transportation, and health services.

For the loans, on Sunday the Bangladesh government signed a "Framework Arrangement" with the Korean government to implement various development projects in the country, said a press release.

Under this Framework Arrangement, signed in the capital city's NEC Bhaban of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Korean government will provide financial assistance to implement various development projects in Bangladesh over the next five years.

The governments are expected to sign loan agreements of $100 million for "Sustainable Economic Recovery Program (Subprogram1)" of the Finance Division, $51 million for

"Procurement of CNG Single Decker AC Buses for BRTC" project under the Road Transport and Highways Division, and $25 million for the "Establishment of a Modern International Training Institute for Dhaka WASA" project of the Local Government Division within this year.

Moreover, important projects like "Construction of Railway-cum-Road Bridges across the River Karnaphuli at the Kalurghat, Chattogram" and the "Establishment of a Multi-disciplinary and Super Specialized Hospital at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) (2nd Phase)" are also expected to be implemented under this Framework Arrangement.

Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance, and LEE Jang-keun, Korean ambassador to Bangladesh, signed the arrangement on behalf of their respective governments.

The loan agreements to be signed under this Framework Arrangement will carry an interest rate of 0.01% to 0.05% with a 40-year term, including a 15- year grace period.

This is the second largest sum of money committed by the Korean government for its development partners.

The Korean government has been providing soft loans through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEximbank) for the development of socio-economic, infrastructure and ICT sectors in Bangladesh since 1997.

Bangladesh has completed fifteen projects of $469.77 million with assistance from the EDCF. Another eight projects of $666.28 million are currently ongoing. At the end of Financial Year 2020-21, total commitment from the EDCF has been $1330.48 million.

Officials from the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, the KExim Bank, and the Economic Relations Division, were present at the occasion.

Korea to give $700m loan for economic recovery, improving transportation

A “Framework Arrangement” was signed between the Bangladesh and Korean government on Sunday for the loans

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