Economy
PM Calls for Global Collaboration in Achieving Public Health Goals
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the international community to work together in achieving public health goals, with a focus on supporting countries with limited resources to better manage health risks. Speaking at the International Conference on Public Health and Diplomacy, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for strong commitment and diplomatic efforts from all countries to address global health challenges.
PM Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s past success in protecting public health and dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of ensuring everyone’s safety. She expressed the country’s willingness to play a leading role in this global effort.
The Prime Minister made several recommendations for regional cooperation, including enhancing preparedness and harmonized response to future health emergencies, collaborating on preventing communicable diseases, mainstreaming mental health in national health systems, addressing public health hazards like drowning and accidents, mobilizing resources for medical education and research, and prioritizing the health of mothers, children, and adolescents to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
PM Hasina emphasized the crucial role of global health governance, with the World Health Organization (WHO) at its center, in serving humanity in the coming years. She encouraged sharing experiences and supporting each other to achieve these goals.
The International Conference on Public Health and Diplomacy, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in cooperation with WHO, featured the participation of ministers and senior officials from WHO Southeast Asia Region member states.
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen and Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque were among the speakers at the conference, along with representatives from other countries. The conference aimed to promote collaboration and exchange of good practices in public health and diplomacy to advance global health goals.
The event provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the well-being of populations and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 related to good health and well-being.
Bangladesh is eager to strengthen its bilateral relations with South Korea, particularly in the realms of trade and investment, in pursuit of realizing the dream of achieving a ‘Golden Bengal,’ as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Md Shahriar Alam, expressed this commitment as the chief guest at a reception commemorating South Korea’s National Foundation Day. The reception, hosted by South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-Sik, took place at a city hotel on Sunday evening.
During his speech, Minister Alam conveyed Dhaka’s contentment with the consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and South Korea. He highlighted the 50-year history of robust bilateral relations and expressed optimism about elevating this friendship to a deeper and more comprehensive level of collaboration.
Furthermore, Minister Alam referenced the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Yoon Suk Yeol on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in India, underlining the significance of such high-level engagements.
He reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of establishing a knowledge and technology-based prosperous and intelligent Bangladesh by the year 2041.
Minister Alam also expressed gratitude for South Korea’s prompt recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state shortly after its independence on May 12, 1972.
Economy
Vietnam’s National Assembly President Attends Forum in Dhaka for Economic Collaboration with Bangladesh
Vuong Dinh Hue, the President of the Vietnam National Assembly, recently participated in an event held in Dhaka known as the ‘Forum on Policies and Laws to Foster Economic, Trade, and Investment Collaboration between Vietnam and Bangladesh.’ This significant gathering was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh, and in cooperation with key entities including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Vietnamese Business Association in Bangladesh.
The forum drew the presence of a distinguished high-level delegation from the Vietnamese National Assembly, alongside prominent figures from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and a substantial representation from businesses on both sides. Additionally, various ministries from both Vietnam and Bangladesh were represented.
During the forum, three notable business-to-business Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were inked. These agreements included collaboration between BMH Vietnam Company and Doreen Group Bangladesh, focusing on investment cooperation, technology transfer, and the advancement of pre-engineered steel production. Another agreement was reached between Bangladesh Vietnam Development Assistance Company and the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Association, with a specific focus on pharmaceutical exchange. Lastly, Huong Giang Aviation Services and the Bangladesh Tourism Association came together to establish a tourism alliance, marking a significant step in enhancing tourism ties between the two nations.
As part of his official three-day tour, Vuong Dinh Hue visited the state-of-the-art facilities of Beximco Pharma in Tongi, where he received an informative presentation and toured the manufacturing facility.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even in the face of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the climate crisis. She made this declaration during a meeting with Helen Clark, Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), at the United Nations Headquarters.
As part of her commitment to healthcare services accessibility for all citizens, PM Sheikh Hasina mentioned the implementation of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2011-2030) and a 27% increase in healthcare sector allocations for the current fiscal year 2023-24.
Helen Clark commended Bangladesh’s exceptional progress in healthcare under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership, citing the nation’s remarkable achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates and ensuring universal healthcare services.
