Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina, Modi agree to strengthen Dhaka-Delhi relationship further
During a recent bilateral meeting, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, expressed their satisfaction with the deep relationship between their countries and committed to further strengthening it. Both leaders emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues through amicable discussions.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Hasina for her role in maintaining peace in India’s North Eastern region. They discussed various areas of bilateral interest, including socio-economic progress in Bangladesh, and Prime Minister Hasina requested uninterrupted essential commodity supplies from India. Both leaders pledged to enhance bilateral and regional connectivity, including rail and road links. Sheikh Hasina also sought Narendra Modi’s cooperation for the speedy repatriation of Rohingya people.
The meeting was described as fruitful and held in a cordial atmosphere, with both leaders discussing vital bilateral issues. Prime Minister Hasina acknowledged India’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and expressed gratitude for the invitation to the G20 Leaders’ Summit. They also discussed global issues, including the well-being of underdeveloped regions.
Prime Minister Modi later shared the positive outcome of the meeting on social media, highlighting progress in India-Bangladesh relations. The Indian Prime Minister’s Office reiterated their commitment to diversifying bilateral cooperation, focusing on connectivity, culture, and people-to-people ties.
In the upcoming G20 Summit, Sheikh Hasina will participate in various sessions under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” She will address challenges such as climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery, and disruptions in the global supply chain. Bangladesh’s remarkable socio-economic achievements under the current government will also be highlighted to world leaders.
India, in its G20 presidency term, has invited nine countries, including Bangladesh, to attend the summit. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration will express leaders’ commitment to discussed priorities and global economic issues. The G20 serves as a crucial forum for international economic cooperation, with its members representing a significant portion of global GDP, trade, and population.
In attendance at the media briefing were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and Prime Minister Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
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.
