Economy
PM Offers Use of Payra Port to Nepal, Vows to Boost Regional Connectivity
In a bilateral meeting held at the newly inaugurated Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room in the FAO Headquarters during the UN Food Systems Summit in Rome, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended a generous offer to her Nepalese counterpart, Pushpa Kamal Dahal. During the meeting, which took place on Monday (July 24), PM Hasina expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to allow Nepal access to its recently constructed Payra port, in addition to the already available Chalna and Chittagong ports. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen confirmed the offer while addressing the press.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional development, PM Hasina emphasized the ongoing efforts to transform the Sayedpur airport into a pivotal regional hub, aimed at enhancing connectivity within the region. In response, the Nepalese premier commended the remarkable progress achieved by Bangladesh under PM Hasina’s successful leadership, acknowledging her as a prominent figure in the region.
Discussions also revolved around Nepal’s vast potential for hydroelectricity generation, a subject that deeply interests both nations. PM Hasina assured Nepal of Bangladesh’s intention to import renewable energy, particularly hydroelectricity, following the upcoming trilateral power trade involving Nepal, Bangladesh, and India, which is set to begin with a 40MW power transfer.
Touching upon the educational aspect of their bilateral relations, PM Dahal praised the significant number of Nepalese students pursuing their studies in Bangladesh, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The meeting exemplified the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Nepal to foster mutual growth and cooperation, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and interconnected region. With the offer of Payra port usage, Bangladesh seeks to bolster trade and transportation links, fostering stronger ties with its neighboring nation. As both leaders continue to engage in constructive dialogues, their efforts are poised to elevate the region’s economic prospects and facilitate a brighter future for their people.
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.
