Bangladesh has urged the South African government to establish a diplomatic representation in Dhaka in order to facilitate consular and other cooperation as the two countries seek greater cooperation in broader areas.  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request during a meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor at State Guest House Padma on Thursday.  Dr Momen sought continued cooperation of South Africa in Rohingya repatriation issue.  He sought support of the government of South Africa at IMO and other Bangladesh candidature.  Dr Pandor paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh after her engagements at IORA 21st Council of Ministers meetings in Dhaka.  She was accompanied by high officials of  South African Foreign Ministry and the South African High Commissioner in India.  At the outset of the meeting, Dr Momen informed the South African Foreign Minister about the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of independence in Bangladesh. Dr Momen briefed her about the development march of Bangladesh under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the huge socio-economic progress achieved by Bangladesh during the last decade.  During the meeting, both sides discussed important issues of mutual interest and cooperation.  Dr Momen proposed that there may be cooperation between both sides in different areas of mutual interest, including agriculture and blue economy.  He underlined the importance of high-level visits and exchange of business delegations between the two countries.  READ: Diplomatic Missions deeply concerned over reports of operations clearance by Myanmar Military Dr Pandor expressed satisfaction on the warm welcome extended to her and the visiting South African delegation.  While apprising about the economic development of South Africa and its comparative advantage on many areas, the South African Foreign Minister underlined the importance of continuing cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic and other identified areas.  Both sides agreed that there would be visits by a business delegation from Bangladesh to South Africa and vice versa.  The Bangladesh and South African sides also discussed celebrating the Silver Jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two countries in a befitting manner.  It was decided that the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with the South African Foreign Ministry would organise seminars and trade shows demonstrating the deep bilateral relations between the two countries.  Dr Pandor joined a programme "Bangladesh-South Africa Bilateral Relations: Exploring the Potentials for Future Engagement and Cooperation" organised at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on Thursday where she delivered the keynote speech on the subject. Dr Momen spoke as the chief guest and highlighted the potential of future engagements and cooperation between Bangladesh and South Africa. An official lunch was hosted by Foreign Minister Dr Momen at the State Guest House Padma in honour of Dr Pandor on Thursday.  READ: Algeria to reopen diplomatic mission in Bangladesh It was attended by Ministers, Advisers to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, high officials of the government, business leaders, academics and political personalities. 

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor has said the great potential of African and Bangladeshi markets still remain unrecognized. “The potential of Africa has not been recognized yet in Bangladesh. The potential in Bangladesh has not been recognized by the African market,” she said, laying emphasis on greater collaboration as there is much to offer for mutual benefit. Dr Grace made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a programme titled “Bangladesh-South Africa Bilateral Relations: Exploring the Potentials for Future Engagement and Cooperation.” Also read: Don't want to be dominated by any powerful nation: S Africa on IORA The South African minister said they want to see Bangladesh companies establishing branches in South Africa and in other African countries and more goods to be imported by Bangladesh.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor said here on Thursday that the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) will become an important organization upholding its principles noting that they do not want to be dominated by any powerful nation. “We don’t want to be dominated by anybody’s fight with another country, nor do we wish to be told what to do,” she told reporters after attending a programme organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). The point the South African minister raised is that they “must not become subject to the whims” of more powerful countries and mentioned that within IORA they have set out their programmes in a very carefully planned manner. “We’re not subject to the conflicts among more powerful nations.” Even those who are coming to IORA as partners, she said, they consider them as dialogue partners but they are not full members. Also read: Bangladesh assumes IORA chairmanship; eyes inclusive development “We’re the members of those who are on the Indian Ocean Rim. Others have an interest and they wish to work with us. But we always guard our essential being. This is the point that I was making,” she said, adding that they do not close the door for anybody but do not want to be dominated by anybody. On Wednesday, 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. Bangladesh, the current chair of 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. He 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 and own position in some countries in the EU. Also read: Focus on blue economy: PM to IORA states 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 IORA member countries will be able to share their ideas and it will be discussed elaborately in the next meeting to be held in July next year. 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 the 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 IORA, he said.

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Pretoria, South Africa have said mining industry is the biggest sector in South Africa and the Bangladeshi investors can explore this area apart from opportunity in real estate business and RMG sector. They said it is easy to prepare business  documents in South Africa making it easier to initiate business in the country. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen joined an exchanges of opinion session with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Pretoria recently. The Bangladeshi entrepreneurs informed that according to the law of South Africa anyone including foreign nationals can purchase land there following legal procedures. READ: Bangladesh invites S African companies' investment; seeks broader trade ties So, there exists opportunity for Bangladeshi investors to buy and develop land in South Africa. They suggested that real estate business in South Africa could also be explored by Bangladesh investors. The Bangladeshi entrepreneurs heartily welcomed the Foreign Minister and expressed their profuse compliments for his interest in developing the trade and business opportunities for the Bangladeshi businessmen and entrepreneurs, who are living in South Africa. During the discussion session, the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs identified that South Africa is the business hub for Southern African countries. They informed that the neighbouring countries of South Africa do not have sea ports and import from or through South Africa. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs opined that Bangladeshi garments manufacturers therefore should consider exporting their products to South Africa. They also informed that the South African farmers produce fruits, vegetables, poultry and dairy products in their vast land and some lands are being left by the producers. Bangladeshi investors can consider purchasing  such land and invest in agro- based industries like fruits and vegetables production and processing, they said. READ: Billionaire philanthropist: vaccine hoarding hurts Africa The Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and businessmen also expressed view that by following the required banking procedures, Bangladesh expatriates would be able to keep money in their own accounts.  They also advised that branches of Bangladeshi banks can be opened in South Africa with full operational capacity.