Bangladesh, South Korea seek deeper economic, defence ties

DHAKA, Oct 2, 2026 — Bangladesh and South Korea have agreed to further strengthen their longstanding bilateral partnership, with discussions focusing on trade and investment, technology, defence cooperation and employment opportunities.

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir held separate meetings with South Korea’s First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo and Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee in Seoul on Friday, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his meeting with Park, Kobir conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with Seoul to deepen bilateral relations.

He also handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Kobir praised South Korea’s transformation into a global economic and technological power, saying its development experience continued to inspire Bangladesh.

The two sides discussed progress towards concluding the Bangladesh-South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with Kobir expressing hope for its early signing.

Bangladesh also called for increased bilateral trade and investment, greater market access for Bangladeshi products and higher Korean investment in sectors including semiconductors, electronics, shipbuilding, light engineering, high-end readymade garments and ICT.

Opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, digital transformation, skills development and services were also discussed.

Kobir sought South Korean support for creating more employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers under the Employment Permit System.

He also sought enhanced Korean cooperation in climate resilience, infrastructure, human-resource development, technical and vocational education and digital technologies.

The state minister appreciated South Korea’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and sought continued support for their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation at multilateral forums.

In his separate meeting with Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee, Kobir discussed ways to expand Bangladesh-South Korea defence cooperation, particularly in training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping and defence industry cooperation.

Kobir appreciated South Korea’s support for training and capacity building of Bangladesh’s armed forces, police and civil defence personnel, and sought expanded opportunities for specialised training.

He also invited South Korea to send military personnel to participate in specialised courses offered by Bangladesh’s armed forces.

Kobir informed the Korean side that Bangladesh is in the process of establishing a defence industrial zone and invited Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in the initiative.

Such investment, he said, could contribute to technology transfer, industrial cooperation and mutual economic benefits.

The Korean side welcomed Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening defence ties and expressed readiness to explore greater cooperation in mutually agreed areas, including training, capacity building and peacekeeping.

The meetings, according to the Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and South Korea to consolidate their partnership and expand cooperation for mutual benefit.