Bangladesh seeks more Korean investment

As the two countries celebrated 40 years of diplomatic ties, Bangladesh yesterday sought more Korean investments in building infrastructures, ports, roads and railways, and human resources.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, addressing a seminar in the capital's Ruposhi Bangla hotel, sought Korea as a “strategic partner” to fulfill the government's vision of a digital Bangladesh by 2021.
She urged diplomats, entrepreneurs and experts to devote their thoughts and ideas for devising tomorrow's partnership with Korea and find modalities for people-to-people contact. “Let's continue our effort and ensure development of human capital,” she said.
The seminar, “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships between Bangladesh and Korea”, was jointly organised by the Korean Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) commemorating the 40th anniversary.
Addressing the seminar, prime minister's International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi said Bangladesh was looking for partners and the investment under the public-private partnership (PPP).
Gowher said most past Korean investments came into readymade garments and more Korean companies should invest through PPP in Bangladesh's infrastructure.
He also felt the necessity of government-to-government schemes for human resource development so that the youth could play a more meaningful role in economic development.
Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Lee Yun-young said, “Time has come to put our heads together to discuss how deeply the two countries are committed to a shared future of growth and prosperity, and find ways to upgrade our relationship into strategic partnership.”
On trade issue, Lee Yun-young said 95 percent of Bangladeshi products were enjoying duty free access to Korea. “The export from Bangladesh to Korea is recently increasing drastically. I believe it is the healthy sign of mutually-beneficial relationship.” He said on top of Korea's strong presence in the garment industry, Korean investment to Bangladesh was being further intensified and diversified into many innovative areas such as infrastructure, energy, and business service.
“Not only big companies are expanding their investment, even small and medium enterprises are rushing out to explore business opportunities with Bangladeshi partners,” he said.