foreign-affairs
BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has stressed the need for organising more promotional campaigns and roadshows to introduce 'Made in Bangladesh' across the globe and brand the country.
"Bangladesh has immense potential to explore new and emerging markets. The BGMEA organised several scoping and trade missions in potential markets and is still working relentlessly in the area of apparel diplomacy," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Wednesday.
He was addressing the webinar "Opportunities and Potential of Bangladesh RMG industry in pursuit of Sustained Growth."
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) organised the event on the occasion of "Sourcing Bangladesh-2021, Virtual Edition."
Faruque emphasised giving more attention to non-cotton products as their demand is on the rise in the global market. "We are now focusing on non-cotton based textile and apparel to realign our product mix with global sourcing trends and this can be a potential area of investment in the upcoming days."
"Virtual marketplace could also be a big source of growth while we need to move from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to original design manufacturer (ODM)," he added.
"For entering that new arena of business, it is important to work on several areas such as reforming foreign exchange policies, export and import policies, and tax policy; extending fiscal incentives to those who will develop their own collection and be involved in innovation."
"Also, we need more investments in the backward linkage textile sector, particularly in the woven. The textile sector is a largely unexplored area and has a high potential for investment," the BGMEA president said.
AHM Ahsan, the vice-chairman of the EPB, chaired the webinar while Fazlul Haq, president of the Bangladesh Employers Federation, MS Siddiqui, co-convenor of Bangladesh Columnist Forum, and Md Khorshed Alam, chairman of the standing committee on the development of local spinning and weaving mills of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, attended the discussion as panellists.
BGMEA, Jetro want to expand Japan-Bangladesh trade
A delegation of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) recently expressed willingness to collaborate in expanding Japan-Bangladesh trade as it met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan.
The delegation included South Asian regional representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Economy; Trade and Industry and Director of Jetro, New Delhi Takuma Otaki, Country Representative Yuji Ando, Representative Kazunori Yamada and Senior Director in Dhaka SM Shariful Alam.
BGMEA vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam and Director Md Imranur Rahman were also present.
They discussed possible avenues of expanding trade between Bangladesh and Japan.
The Jetro team and BGMEA leaders expressed willingness to organise a webinar to initiate communication between businessmen in Bangladesh and Japan, particularly those who are involved in the fashion industry.
Bangladeshi businessmen will be able to showcase their strengths and capabilities through the webinar, while Japanese buyers and investors will get the opportunity to explore their trade potential in Bangladesh, they said.
Also, the Jetro team and BGMEA leaders discussed a possible free trade agreement (FTA) so that Bangladesh could retain its access to the Japanese market in the post-LDC era.
Faruque stressed the importance of fibre diversification and investment in the non-cotton textile sector in Bangladesh and urged Jetro to encourage Japanese businessmen to invest in this area.
He also sought Jetro's support in developing the capacity of the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology in textile, apparel, fashion and business through collaboration with leading Japanese universities and fashion institutes.
Japan and Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic relations in 2022.
The Jetro team and BGMEA leaders talked about jointly organising special programmes to celebrate the occasion.
Bangladesh to make clear its position over Indo-Pacific: FS
Bangladesh, the current chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), has said it will make clear its position over the Indo-Pacific region in the days to come as the government is currently working on it.
“We’ll make our position clear regarding the Indo-Pacific. We’re working on it,” said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen reiterated that they want to see an open, free, peaceful and inclusive Indian Ocean instead of any single country or group’s domination in the region.
Foreign Secretary Masud referred to the joint statement between Bangladesh and France where a paragraph was included on the Indo-Pacific.
At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to France earlier this month.
Bangladesh and France shared the same vision for a “free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive” Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all, according to the joint statement.
Taking note of the French and European strategies concerning the Indo-Pacific, both parties agreed to work towards promoting regional peace and stability and to explore further opportunities for cooperation in maritime security and the blue economy.
Highlighting their commitment to fully observing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes, refraining from any threat or use of force, they stated the importance of maintaining security and freedom of navigation and overflight in all seas and oceans.
Foreign Secretary Masud Momen said some countries have taken some initiatives on the Indo-Pacific Strategy and these countries are sharing their policy separately.
He named the European Union (EU), the United States, own position and of some countries in the EU.
The Foreign Secretary said it is likely to be difficult to get a position from an organization like IORA while it is relatively easy for a country.
He said the member countries of IORA will be able to share their ideas and it will be discussed elaborately at the next meeting to be held in July next.
Responding to a question, Maritime Affairs Unit (MAU) Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam Secretary (MAU) Khurshed Alam said Indo-Pacific is still an evolving issue and it is not clear yet.
While talking to UNB recently, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said the growth is happening in the region and it is a vast area.
“The Indo-Pacific strategy really ties in well with our new priorities to Bangladesh. There’s an opportunity to inject more energy into the Bangladesh-EU relationship,” he said, highlighting the importance of connectivity, green transition, free trade and people to people link.
A joint communiqué on the “EU Strategy” for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific has been adopted recently, saying the European Union is stepping up its strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region as the region is increasing in strategic importance for Europe.
The EU thinks the future of the EU and the Indo-Pacific is interlinked. The EU is already the top investor, the leading development cooperation partner and one of the biggest trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Whiteley said they will be deeply engaging in renewable energy, regional energy and will help the transformation of Bangladesh energy system.
He said there is a lot of energy behind the relationship with development cooperation and trade benefits are there in place.
Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of IORA for the next two years with the theme – “Harnessing the opportunities of the Indian Ocean sustainability for inclusive development.”
“This event has been very special to Bangladesh,” said the Foreign Minister while briefing the reporters on the outcome of the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) held in a city hotel on Wednesday evening.
The theme selected by Bangladesh was “profusely appreciated” by the member countries and the dialogue partners of the IORA, he said.
Bangladesh assumes IORA chairmanship; eyes inclusive development
Bangladesh has assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the next two years with the theme – “Harnessing the opportunities of the Indian Ocean sustainably for inclusive development.”
“This event has been very special to Bangladesh,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters on the outcome of the21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) held in a city hotel on Wednesday evening.
The theme, selected by Bangladesh, was “profusely appreciated” by the member countries and the dialogue partners of the IORA, he said.
Read: Focus on blue economy: PM to IORA states
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit (MAU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rear Admiral (retd) Md Khurshed Alam also spoke on the occasion.
Dr Momen said they have nominated Salman Al Farisi from Indonesia as the new Secretary General of the IORA who will take over the charge from January 1 next year.
The IORA decided to take up Russia as a dialogue partner in the Council of Ministers. “I welcome Russia as the new dialogue partner of IORA,” said the Foreign Minister.
He said the vaccine issue came up in a big way amid the participation of vaccine producing countries – the UK, the US and China. “Vaccine should be a public good and it should be shared without any discrimination.”
Youngone to provide 10 lakh pieces of safety masks
Youngone Corporation will provide the government with 1,000,000 (1 million) pieces of safety masks on an emergency basis on Thursday.
Kihak Sung, Chairman and CEO of Youngone Corporation, has decided to provide the masks for the use of doctors, nurses and other health service providers and essential workers.
Read: Korea promotes young entrepreneurs’ development through business curriculum at universities
A handover ceremony in this regard will be held at the office of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on the day.
DG Health Services Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammed Khurshid Alam will be receiving the safety masks from Shaikh Shahinur Rahman, Managing Director, Youngone Corporation and Md. Shahjahan, Managing Director, Korean EPZ.
Karnaphuli Polyester Products Company Ltd (KPP), a concern of Youngone Corporation, located at Korean EPZ (KEPZ), Anowara, Chattogram has manufactured these safety masks complying with all required procedures and formalities of the DGDA, said an official.
In the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh is facing a challenge of unprecedented scale, said the Youngone Corporation, mentioning that they deeply appreciate the measures and actions taken by the government of Bangladesh to overcome the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Since the pandemic started in 2020 to support the government’s initiatives, Kihak Sung came forward with needful medical support for the affected people.
In April 2020, at the very outset of the pandemic, Youngone donated 75,000 pcs of Standard PPE (Hazmat Suit, Face Mask and Face Shield) for the use of frontline service providers, including doctors, nurses as well as other health service providers and members of the related government agencies engaged in the field.
Read:S Korean envoy Lee for diversifying collaboration with Bangladesh
In July 2021, Korean EPZ, a concern of Youngone Corporation, distributed food-aid among 2,000 Covid-affected families and a good quantity of masks to neighbouring villages and other government agencies.
During the dire need of extension of medical facilities, Youngone donated medical beds to Bangladesh Institute of Tropical & Infectious Diseases (BITID), Fouzderhat, Chattogram, said the South Korea-based conglomerate.
UNCLOS can be a pathway to ocean of opportunity for LDCs: Bangladesh
The vast and unexplored resource frontiers of the oceans have the potentials to bring transformative changes to the lives and livelihoods of more than one billion people in the LDCs, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said.
"And the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) can indeed be the pathway to an ocean of opportunity for them," she said.
Ambassador Rabab Fatima was speaking at a high-level event of the International Seabed Authority on the opportunities offered by UNCLOS to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
Read: Bangladesh deeply committed to human rights, fundamental freedoms: Rabab Fatima
The event held on Tuesday was moderated by Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority Michael W. Lodge.
A significant number of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives including the LDC Chair also attended the event.
As LDCs are among the world’s most resource-constraint economies in the world, the Permanent Representative urged the International Seabed Authority to ensure the fair share of various benefits and opportunities for LDCs in the deep-sea particularly in the areas of marine scientific research, capacity building and access to marine technologies for exploration of resources in the high sea.
Ambassador Fatima is co-chairing the Preparatory Committee for the LDC5 Conference to be held in Doha in January 2022.
Read:AIBTRI holds development programme on Bangladesh's LDC graduation
Referring to the dedicated focus of the Draft Doha Program of Action on the devastating impacts of climate change on oceans, she stated that various forms of pollution are seriously disrupting the balance of marine food webs and ecosystems.
She emphasized the importance of scaling up global efforts to combat marine pollution and uncontrolled activities in the deep sea.
The Ambassador concluded her remarks with a call to create more space for the women and youth of the LDCs to have enhanced access to the new and emerging opportunities that the ocean can offer.
Bangladesh and Mexico want to deepen military cooperation
Bangladesh has received a positive response from Mexico regarding a proposal for enhancing military cooperation and sharing its vast experience in the tourism sector.
The Mexican side has confirmed that their country will reciprocate this kind gesture of Bangladesh by sending a military delegation to Dhaka to participate in the forthcoming Victory Day celebration in December next.
Bangladesh has already shown its interest by sending a 39-member military contingent who participated in the 200-year Celebration of Mexican Independence at the National Palace in Mexico City.
Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh
The issues were discussed at the first-ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Mexico held virtually on Tuesday.
Both sides expressed their firm convictions in finding new avenues to further deepen the existing friendly bilateral relationship.
Toufiq Islam Shatil, Director General (Americas) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka led the Bangladesh Delegation whereas Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Director General (Asia-Pacific) of Mexican Foreign Ministry led the Mexican delegation.
As members of the delegations of their respective countries, Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico, Abida Islam and Federico Salas Lotfe Ambassador of Mexico to India, concurring to Bangladesh, actively participated in the discussions.
The Bangladesh delegation consisted of representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Cultural Affairs, as well as from National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Read: Middlemen, the biggest obstacle in Bangladesh's food chain?
The entire gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico were discussed during the meeting with focus on the economy and trade, exchanges between Foreign Service academies, bilateral cooperation in cultural, gender equality, defence and tourism, including visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.
While taking stock of the overall state of Bangladesh-Mexico relations, the leader of the Bangladesh delegation stressed the importance of regular exchange of high-level visits and increased engagements to further foster the friendly ties between the two countries.
He also emphasized the need for carrying forward the momentum that was created during the successful visit of State Minister of Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam in September 2021 while attending the 200-year celebration of Mexican Independence.
The Bangladesh side requested for opening a resident mission of Mexico in Dhaka in the near future. The Mexican side proposed to form a Parliamentary Friendship Group between lawmakers of two countries.
Trade and Investment
In the area of trade and investment, Bangladesh highlighted the impressive investment possibilities and benefits provided by the government to foreign investors.
In response, the Mexican side showed its keen interest in the sector of construction and auto parts industries in Bangladesh.
Read: UK announces £18m new funding to end child marriage in Bangladesh, 11 other countries
Terming economic affairs as a key aspect and one of the priorities in foreign policy, both sides agreed to create a Joint Working Group between the governments to explore the potential untapped areas and take advantage of their respective economic opportunities.
Referring to the recently concluded MoU between COMCE and the FBCCI in September 2021, the two sides stressed frequent engagements, even in virtual platforms, in the coming days.
With regards to the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, the Mexican side conveyed that upon review of the draft Agreement, they will share it with its Bangladesh counterparts for their consideration.
Under the segment of bilateral cooperation, the MoU between Diplomatic Academies, Promotion of Gender Equality, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Culture as well as Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education were discussed.
It has been learned from the Mexican side that the discussion with regards to the MoU regarding an exchange program between the Diplomatic Academies of Mexico and Bangladesh is ongoing and is expected to be concluded soon.
The issue of gender equality features prominently during the discussion and both sides agreed to work closely and share their best practices to promote gender equality in their respective organizations and countries.
The Mexican side further stated that the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico is presently reviewing the MoU regarding cultural cooperation proposed by the Bangladesh side and Mexican Secretariat of Public Education is still working with the proposed MoU of Bangladesh on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education.
During the consultations, the two sides also discussed possible cooperation in mutually beneficial areas at regional and multilateral level including the United Nations.
To improve the people-to-people contacts, the Bangladesh side requested the Mexican government to establish a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Center in Dhaka or adopt any other mechanisms so that Bangladesh nationals could provide all the required information including the biometrics without traveling to India.
He also requested to exempt visas for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Currently, in absence of a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladeshi visa seekers have to travel to New Delhi to provide their biometrics to obtain a Mexican visa and the situation has further worsened owing to the restrictions and limitations associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
Read: Number of Bangladeshi students on the rise in US
Ambassador Claudia Franco took note of the concerns of Bangladesh and said that Mexico is continuously evaluating the need for opening new consular offices in different parts of the world.
However, the Director General (Consular Affairs), who was also present at the meeting, assured to find ways to bring both the countries closer in terms of people-to-people contacts.
Regarding the exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, Ambassador Claudia Franco said that the concerned office is reviewing the draft to find out the likelihood of this agreement.
Both sides appreciated the candid exchange of ideas and based on the momentum created by the consultation, intended to enhance their progress for mutual benefit in the days ahead.
The 2nd FOC is expected to take place during the second half of 2022 preferably in person if the conditions permit, either in Mexico City or Dhaka, at a mutually convenient date and time.
Indonesia to send strong message to Myanmar over Rohingya crisis, says its FM
Indonesia is going to send a strong message to Myanmar seeking steps to resolve the prolonged Rohingya crisis.
“We’re going to send a strong message to Myanmar for resolving the Rohingya crisis,” visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.
Sheikh Hasina said another three years have elapsed since the crisis has broken out and Bangladesh’s wait for the reparation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. “…it’s a huge burden for Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister conveyed her country’s President’s greetings to the Prime Minister.
Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Marsudi lauded Bangladesh for its success in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Indonesia has also been able to bring the situation under control and we’re strict in maintaining health protocols,” she said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present during the meeting.
Read: No religious excesses, says PM Hasina
The Indonesian Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka to attend the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ Meeting.
Later, South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Dr Pandor, who is also in Dhaka to attend the 21st IORA Meeting, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Prime Minister told Dr Pandor that the struggle of Nelson Mandela and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the same as both the leaders made tremendous sacrifices apart from languishing in jail for a long time.
“Our aim should be to keep the Indian Ocean peaceful for developing the Blue Economy,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation referred to the pandemic and said South Africa is producing Covid-19 vaccines of Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present on the occasion.
Read: Momen stresses importance of a healthy heart to Sylhetis
The Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Professor GL Peirisin in a separate meeting highly appreciated the economic progress of Bangladesh, especially the online connectivity and business and bank operation, and social safety network.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned about the micro-savings programmes of the government.
Ihsanul Karim said the Prime Minister also mentioned about the government’s steps to avoid any food scarcity in the country during the post-pandemic situation. “We’ve given a special emphasis on food protection,” she was quoted as saying.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present.
Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh
Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh
Foreign Minister of Comoros Dhoihir Dhoulkamal has underlined the importance of signing a trade agreement between the two countries.
Mentioning that both Bangladesh and Comoros are growing economies, the Comoran Foreign Minister said the two countries can enhance cooperation in trade and economic sectors.
Read: Dhaka, Colombo look for quick conclusion of PTA
Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal met his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
The Foreign Minister of Comoros is visiting Dhaka to participate in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings.
He highly commended the excellent economic performance of Bangladesh and mentioned that Comoros would consider importing RMG and other products from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh exports various goods to the African countries, including RMG, leather, jute and pharmaceutical products.
Dr Momen thanked the Foreign Minister of Comoros for the support of the Comoros government for the chairship of Bangladesh at IORA.
He requested the Comoran side for extending support at the candidature at the IMO and Human Rights Council.
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in the socio-economic sectors, and maintained a robust growth in the economy during the last decade in addition to achieving an excellent success in the agricultural sector.
Read: France firmly with Bangladesh over Rohingya issue: FM Momen
The Comoran Foreign Minister also proposed that the Comoran officials may be trained in natural gas exploration fields at Bangladesh institutes and showed interest in visiting some pharmaceuticals and garment industries here.
The Bangladesh side proposed that there may be direct trade of goods like spices and vanilla from Comoros to Bangladesh.
The two sides also expressed intention to continue cooperation under the framework of IORA as its members alongside exchanging visits by business delegations.
Madagascar keen to work with Bangladesh on blue economy, ICT
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza has proposed that both Bangladesh and Madagascar can establish cooperation in the blue economy, including collaboration among maritime universities and extraction of marine nutrients.
He said the Madagascar government is eager to establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector of Bangladesh and suggested establishing G2G cooperation in expanded IT-ICT areas.
Tahirimiakadaza met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Dr Momen sought support of the Madagascar government in favour of the candidature of Bangladesh at the forthcoming IMO election as well as Humans Right Council.
Read: US donates 18 freezer trucks for vaccine delivery in Bangladesh
The Madagascar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by officials of the Madagascar government who are participating in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr Momen welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar to Dhaka.
He mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved tremendous socio-economic progress during the last decade.
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has expertise in the IT-ICT sector and the government is offering various types of digital services to people.
He also suggested that the two countries may establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector and Madagascar may import RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.
Read: Counter-terrorism police arrest online head of banned Ansar Al Islam
The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar briefed Dr Momen about measures taken by the government of Madagascar in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
He congratulated the Bangladesh government for the measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
He mentioned that Madagascar and Bangladesh are working together at international platforms on matters of mutual interest and commended the role of Bangladesh at IORA in protecting the interest of the developing countries.
Recognising the importance of cooperation in agriculture areas, both sides agreed to establish cooperation in food and agriculture areas, including collaboration in seed technology and agricultural production. Dr Momen suggested that a Fact-Finding Mission may go to Madagascar to discuss the possibilities of contract farming opportunities in Madagascar.
He also sought continued support of Madagascar on the Rohingya repatriation issue.
The Permanent Secretary assured Dr Momen of their continued support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.