Bangladesh, South Korea discuss deeper ties, Korean investment

DHAKA, Sept 30: Bangladesh and South Korea have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology and development, with Dhaka seeking greater Korean investment in technology-intensive sectors.

South Korean Ambassador Kim Ji-joon made the remarks during a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, according to a press release.

The two sides also discussed the state minister's upcoming visit to South Korea, during which he is expected to meet senior Korean officials and representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

During the visit, Kobir will also convey an invitation from the prime minister of Bangladesh to the president of South Korea to visit Bangladesh.

Kobir said Bangladesh attaches “great importance” to its longstanding and close relations with South Korea. He highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, development cooperation, human resource development and technology.

The state minister welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expressing hope that the agreement would help expand bilateral trade and investment.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to attract more Korean investment to Bangladesh, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, electronics and other high-value and technology-intensive sectors.

Ambassador Kim welcomed the initiative to personally convey the invitation to the Korean president and described it as a positive step towards further strengthening bilateral ties.

He also appreciated the growing Bangladesh-South Korea partnership and expressed Seoul's interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening relations and broadening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.