foreign-affairs
Ambassador Whiteley: EuroCham to boost business ties with Bangladesh; facilitate transition to GSP+
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday said the time has come for moving ahead with a European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) to promote trade and investment and help ensure a smooth transition to GSP+ era.
"GSP plus is not an easy ticket," he said during at a function at his residence, marking the "soft launch" of the EuroCham to boost Bangladesh-EU business ties.
The EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) gives developing countries a special incentive to pursue sustainable development and good governance.
Eligible countries have to implement international conventions on human rights, labour rights, the environment and good governance.
There are some quite stringent requirements for GSP Plus accession and Bangladesh has already ratified the 32 conventions that are now required for GSP Plus membership.
Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status in 2026 would also mean graduation from the current Everything but Arms (EBA) unilateral trade preference given to Bangladesh by the EU, Bangladesh's largest export destination. There will be a three years transition period.
"Our focus is now ensuring a swift transition. I think EuroCham will really be helpful," said Ambassador Whiteley.
The EU sees huge potential as Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is predicted to be among the top 30 largest economies by 2036.
Read more: EU keen to send observers for upcoming general election in Bangladesh: Envoy
"It (EuroCham) should be business driven and business interests are reflected in it," said the EU ambassador, emphasising that the chamber will lobby for European business interests and the removal of barriers to trade and investment.
The EU envoy said the EuroCham is not here to compete with the existing chambers but to complement the existing bilateral chambers of commerce. "It is an idea to help address problems and will forge links between Bangladesh and European businesses."
Why EuroCham now?
The EU said there is a well-established relationship with business potential. The EU is Bangladesh's largest trading partner and there is keen interest from European companies to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
The EU embassy says there are numerous EuroChams around the world with a proven record of supporting EU business.
The EuroCham will assist businesses in navigating European and Bangladesh legislation, including in rapidly evolving areas such as due diligence and the green economy, said the EU embassy.
It will facilitate the transition to GSP+ from a business perspective and bring critical thinking and analysis to bear on key business challenges, stimulating interest in existing and potential business sectors.
Senior government officials, business leaders, EU Deputy Head of Mission Brend Spanier were present at the soft launching event.
US did not impose new sanctions as human rights situation has improved: Law Minister
Law Minister Anisul Huq said on Wednesday that the US did not impose any new sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the human rights situation has improved.
"Human Rights Watch does not write anything good about anyone. But they have written in their report that the human rights condition has improved in Bangladesh. Donald Lu has said that they would have imposed more sanctions against RAB, but did not do so as Bangladesh's human rights situation has improved," he told reporters at the secretariat after meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hashim.
“We (the US) have seen RAB has done much good. We also understand the necessity of RAB. Since human rights situation has significantly improved, we have not imposed new sanctions. He (Lu) has told me so very clearly,” the law minister said, quoting the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu. Lu visited Bangladesh recently.
In response to a question, the law minister said that he did not ask Lu for lifting the existing sanctions against RAB because it must be done in accordance with legal procedures.
Also Read: Bangladesh's growing economy entices US to maintain good relations: FM
“We are following those procedures,” he added. "We will take action against RAB members if they commit crimes," Huq said of the elite force's reforms. “The reform process is ongoing; it takes time,” he added.
Huq also said that during his meeting with Lu, he demanded that Rashed Chowdhury, the fugitive convicted killer of Bangabandhu, be deported to Bangladesh.
“He asked me to contact their judiciary branch. I will knock every door to bring him back,” the minister said.
Lu arrived in Dhaka on Saturday evening to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship, expanding economic engagement and to hear on labour and human rights.
During his brief stay in Dhaka, Lu met with senior Bangladeshi ministers and officials including the law minister and civil society leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Over 3,500 desperate Rohingya attempted deadly sea crossings in 2022
More than 3,500 desperate Rohingya attempted deadly sea crossings in 39 boats in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in 2022, according to the latest data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
This represents a 360 per cent increase on the year before when some 700 people made similar journeys, said UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Tuesday.
In the absence of a comprehensive regional response to address these perilous maritime movements, UNHCR warns that more people will die on the high seas, under the watch of many coastal States.
UNHCR has recorded an alarming rise in the death toll.
At least 348 individuals died or went missing at sea in 2022, making it one of the deadliest years since 2014.
Some 3,040 individuals who undertook the sea journey disembarked in 2022, primarily in Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Nearly 45 per cent of those who disembarked were women and children, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
In the last two months of 2022, four boats carrying over 450 Rohingya disembarked in Aceh, Indonesia.
One boat carrying over 100 Rohingya disembarked in Sri Lanka.
One boat is feared to have sunk in early December with approximately 180 individuals on board.
Several boats that departed in December remained at sea as of the end of the year.
Read more: Very limited spaces offered for Rohingya resettlement: UNHCR
Calls by UNHCR to maritime authorities in the region to rescue and disembark people in distress have gone unheeded with many boats adrift for weeks.
Most boats departed from Myanmar and Bangladesh, highlighting the growing sense of desperation amongst Rohingya in those two countries.
Those who have disembarked report that they undertook these dangerous sea journeys in an effort to find protection, security, family reunification, and livelihoods in other countries.
Among them are victims of trafficking, unaccompanied and separated children, and survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence.
The current crisis in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea is a crisis of solidarity, UNHCR said.
The Bali Process, a forum for policy dialogue, information sharing and cooperation to address people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime, will hold its 8th Ministerial meeting in February.
Read more: Vulnerable Rohingyas: US to consider resettlement recommendations from UNHCR
UNHCR repeats its call for prompt search and rescue and timely disembarkation in a place of safety, and for support to countries where Rohingya refugees are disembarked.
"We call on countries to redouble efforts to prevent human smuggling and trafficking," said UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
There is also a need for humanitarian responsibility to be more evenly distributed among countries in the region to ensure protection responses are predictable, equitable, and sustainable.
The region and the international community need to support efforts to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar. Until these are resolved, refugees will continue to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.
Bangladesh's growing economy entices US to maintain good relations: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the United States wants to maintain good relations with Bangladesh and noted that Bangladesh is "becoming a big economy".
Momen said US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu came to Bangladesh to "help improve the relationship" between the two countries.
“We had a very good discussion. We had a very positive and constructive discussion. They are very happy with us. We are also very happy,” he told reporters, adding that President Biden wants to improve relations with Bangladesh in the next 50 years.
Momen said they are also happy with Ambassador Peter Haas because he is an expert on economic issues. “We are on a higher economic trajectory. Our main focus is on economic development. He (Peter) can help us.”
Responding to a question on RAB, he said the elite force is now more mature and things have changed with accountability in place.
Read more: 'Frequent visits' by US officials a good development: Foreign Minister
Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in the world in terms of stopping extremists and terrorists. “We are very successful. There are no terrorism activities.”
He said Bangladesh and the US follow the same values and Bangladesh welcomes any constructive suggestion.
US Embassy spokesperson Jeff Ridenour on Tuesday said Assistant Secretary Lu praised the Bangladesh government for the “dramatic reduction” last year in the number of allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by the RAB.
During his meetings in Dhaka, Assistant Secretary Lu, however, did not indicate a time frame for the removal of RAB sanctions, he said.
Momen said both sides acknowledged the weaknesses during the discussions.
Read more: US envoy meets Momen, shares displeasure over embarrassment
“We, Americans, have our own problems with democracy, but I am proud that our two countries can talk about these issues openly. We will also welcome support for improving our democracy,” Lu said.
Bangladesh-Turkiye Business Forum launched to usher in new era of economic cooperation
With an aim to promote bilateral relations, the Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum (BTBF) was officially launched on Tuesday paving the way for a new era in trade and investment between the two countries.
“This is an important occasion for us because our countries are building another bridge through this business forum,” said outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan.
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman spoke at the event as the chief guest which began with brief classical music at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka.
An hour before the launching event at the Embassy, Ambassador Turan together with the BTBF leaders opened the office of BTBF at “Marina Mansion” at city’s Gulshan-2.
Read more: Robust leadership, political trust fortified Dhaka-Ankara economic, defence ties: Turan
Honorary Consul General of Türkiye in Chattogram and co-chairman of BTBF Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group and BTBF chairperson Dr. Rubana Huq and CEO of United AYGAZ LPG Ltd and BTBF Secretary Ercument Polat spoke at the event.
Indian HC Pranay Verma visits Commonwealth War Cemetery in Chattogram
High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Chattogram.
During his visit, the High Commissioner was accompanied by the commanding officers of the visiting Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Shaurya and ICGS Rajveer.
The cemetery originally had about 400 burials.
Read more: Indian war veterans to join Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka
E-governance a shared priority for EU, Bangladesh in coming years: Ambassador Whiteley
A consultation workshop on ‘Supporting Transparent E-Governance Policies in Bangladesh’ was held in Dhaka today which is seen as a “shared priority” for the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh in the coming years.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak spoke at the workshop as the chief guest while ICT Division Senior Secretary N M Zeaul Alam spoke as special guest.
“Much appreciated the very active participation by ICT State Minister Palak at consultation workshop on e-governance – a shared priority for the EU and Bangladesh in the coming years,” Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, Ambassador Charles Whiteley, who delivered the closing remarks, tweeted.
The EU Ambassador said they appreciate the vision of 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041. “We are really with you (Bangladesh). It’s a really important area for us.”
He said they want to support “transparent, responsive, accountable and timely” delivery of services, something they aspire for their own people, too.
“Let’s focus on capacity-building and responding to those needs,” said the EU ambassador, adding that they want to do more on non-traditional areas of cooperation.
To transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based economy by 2041 (‘Smart Bangladesh Vision’), the government of Bangladesh’s ‘Digital Bangladesh Vision’ (launched back in 2009) views digital development as core to its overall economic development strategy.
The government’s “E-government Master Plan” of 2019 provides a strategic guideline for government innovation using Information Communications Technology (ICT).
With its digital transformation policy, the European Union (EU) has extensive experience in public sector digitalisation.
Additionally, Bangladesh is part of the EU's recent “Strategy for the Indo-Pacific” (2021), in which digital governance and partnerships are defined as a key priority.
According to the 8th Five Year Plan, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) views digital development as core to its overall development strategy and aims to transform Bangladesh into a digital economy by 2021 (‘Digital Bangladesh’) and to a knowledge-based economy by 2041 (‘Smart Bangladesh’).
The European Union (EU) has also identified digitalisation and e-governance as one of its current and future policy and programme priority areas.
In this context, the EU has prepared, with the support of a team of external consultants, a report, which identifies policy initiatives where the EU can concretely support GoB with their digital transformation plans considering existing opportunities and constraints and following a sustainable and citizen-centric approach.
The consultation workshop discussed and validated the preliminary findings of the ‘Bangladesh Digital Readiness Assessment’ draft report developed with the support of a team of external experts as part of the European Union’s support to the government of Bangladesh’s digital transformation policies.
The workshop aimed to prepare a list of recommendations on priority policy areas and initiatives by gathering relevant digitalisation and e-governance stakeholders.
Bangladesh, Vietnam can thrive together in RMG, says Pham Viet Chien
Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien has said Bangladesh and his country can complement each other for the development of the apparel industry and reap mutual trade benefits.
Pham called on Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Monday (January 16, 2023).
Read more: Bangladesh, Vietnam eye $2 billion trade in 2023
They discussed the present market situation in readymade garments (RMG), global trends and opportunities while sharing how both countries were addressing their challenges.
Pham and Faruque also talked about possible avenues of working together to unlock mutual trade potential through meaningful collaboration.
They emphasised the exchange of experience and expertise in the apparel industries of Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Read more: Vietnam honours three Bangladeshis for promoting people-to-people ties
Pham and Faruque showed interest in facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the apparel and textile industries through collaboration between the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and Vietnamese apparel trade associations and fashion institutes.
Bangladesh, Rwanda sign air connectivity agreement
Bangladesh and Rwanda have signed an air services agreement to enhance connectivity, trade and people-to-people ties.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to New Delhi Mustafizur Rahman and Rwanda High Commissioner to Bangladesh with residence in New Delhi Jacqueline Mukangira inked the deal in the Indian capital Thursday.
The agreement will facilitate the movement of people and goods between Bangladesh and Rwanda using the air route.
Read more: DCCI urges Rwanda to import more Bangladeshi products
The air connectivity agreement is also expected to contribute largely to the economic growth between Bangladesh and Rwanda.
Bangladesh has taken initiatives to forge cooperation with Rwanda in different sectors, including agriculture, food processing; promotion and protection of investments, foreign office consultations and cooperation between the foreign service academies of the two countries. Both sides are having discussions to sign agreements in these areas.
Read more: Momen leads Bangladesh to Commonwealth Heads of Government in Rwanda
Initiatives have also been taken to organise a bilateral visit from Bangladesh to Rwanda and hold bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries.
British offshore patrol vessel docks at Chattogram
The Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS TAMAR has arrived at the naval base in ChattogramThe vessel was received by Chief Staff Officer to the Commander, Chattogram Naval Area, Capt M Faizul Hoque.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.