BCI holds talks with Korean ambassador on trade and investment

The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) hosted a discussion with Park Young Sik, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, at the BCI office today. The meeting, presided over by BCI President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), focused on mutual interests, particularly in the industrial and business sectors of both countries.

Representing BCI, Senior Vice-President Preeti Chakraborty, Director Chaitanya Kumar Dey (Chayon), and Jeyad Rahman addressed the meeting. Moinul Islam, acting president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), also spoke on the occasion. BCI's secretary general highlighted the chamber's activities and potential areas for Bangladesh-Korea joint collaboration.

BCI president recalled Korea's significant role in the early days of Bangladesh's garment industry. He emphasised the need for skilled trainers from Korea to train local trainers, who can then train workers and managers nationwide. He also urged Korean cooperation in workforce development, training curriculum, technical capacity building, employment generation, and export expansion, particularly in sectors like light engineering, agro-processing, and ICT. Additionally, he stressed the need for enhanced Korean language learning facilities in Bangladesh.

Ambassador Park Young Sik noted that Bangladesh and Korea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1973 and continue to work together in economic development. He stated that Korea is keen to expand its economic partnership with Bangladesh and mentioned the ongoing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations, which, once finalised, will further strengthen economic ties.

The ambassador highlighted Bangladesh's potential in shipbuilding, garments, and textiles, adding that Korea currently operates three training centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna under KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) to enhance skills development. He also pointed out challenges faced by Korean businesses in Bangladesh, including visa and customs clearance issues and the complex bidding process for renewable energy projects.

In response, the BCI president assured the ambassador that he would discuss these concerns with relevant government authorities to facilitate smoother business operations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation. The BCI president thanked Ambassador Park Young Sik and his delegation for their visit and extended his appreciation to all BCI directors and members in attendance.

Other BCI directors and members present at the meeting included Shahidul Islam Niru, Zia Haider Mithu, Jahangir Alam, and Mahfuzur Rahman.