South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen engagement with Chattogram where more than 90 percent of exports and imports of Bangladesh passing through.

He completed his three-day visit to Chattogram, the gateway to Bangladesh, on Monday and pledged to double his engagement there.

His visit to Chattogram covered a wide range of engagements with the Korean community, business leaders and government authorities and development partners. 

Congratulating the establishment of the Association of Koreans in 2021, Ambassador Lee reaffirmed his commitment to ensure safety and support the business activities of Korean people in Chattogram.

Around 300 Koreans are living in the port city with more than 50 companies under operation there.

He attended a roundtable meeting on Korea-Bangladesh economic relations which was held in cooperation with Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) and Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the World Trade Centre.

The envoy emphasized the importance of Chattogram with regard to Bangladesh economy and the role of entrepreneurs in enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

In his presentation on the bilateral relationship between the two countries focusing on trade and investment, Ambassador Lee said Korea and Bangladesh have great potentials to reinforce its economic relations in many areas beyond the readymade garment (RMG) industry.

A number of business leaders from both countries and government agencies participated in the meeting.

During the visit, Ambassador Lee also held a meeting with Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Saleh Mohammed Tanvir and Commissioner of Chittagong Customs House Fakhrul Alam.

Appreciating the support to the Koreans living and doing business in Chattogram, Ambassador Lee requested continued support for the safety and security of Koreans and their businesses.  

Lee visited Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Center (BKTTC) established with the grant aid from the Korean government through KOICA, Korea’s development agency, in 2013 with a total project cost of US$ 4.8 million.

The vocational training centre offers various vocational trainings for people in the city in need of job skills.

Lee also visited the site of the cyber investigation centre at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police to be established with the Korean support by 2023.

Ambassador Lee participated as an observer in the board meeting of the KBCCI held in KEPZ premises.