Bangladesh seeks South Korean investment, wider defence cooperation

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has invited South Korean investment in Bangladesh's proposed defence industrial zone and sought greater cooperation in military training, capacity building and UN peacekeeping.

He made the proposals during separate meetings with senior South Korean officials in Seoul today (2 October), according to a press release.

During his meeting with South Korea's First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo, Humaiun called for greater bilateral trade and investment, wider market access for Bangladeshi products and increased South Korean investment in sectors including semiconductors, electronics, shipbuilding, light engineering, high-end ready-made garments and ICT.

The state minister welcomed the agreement in principle on the Bangladesh-South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and expressed hope that it would be signed soon.

He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, digital transformation, skills development and services.

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

He also sought greater South 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.

During his meeting with Lee Doo-hee, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral defence cooperation in areas including training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping and the defence industry.

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

He also encouraged South Korea to send military personnel to participate in specialised courses offered by the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

The state minister informed the Korean side that Bangladesh is in the process of establishing a defence industrial zone and invited South Korean interest in exploring investment opportunities in the initiative.

The Korean side expressed readiness to explore greater cooperation in mutually agreed areas, including training, capacity building and peacekeeping.

Humaiun also conveyed Bangladesh's readiness to deepen longstanding friendly relations with South Korea and handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

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