[🇧🇩] Partnership Between Bangladesh And South Korea

[Saif]

Dhaka, Seoul begin negotiations to sign EPA

Bangladesh and South Korea have started negotiations for signing an Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries on Thursday.

www.newagebd.net

Dhaka, Seoul begin negotiations to sign EPA
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 28 November, 2024, 15:19

Bangladesh interim government commerce adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, commerce secretary Md Selim Uddin, Korean deputy trade minister Jongwon Park and Korean trade minister Inkyo Cheong pose for a photo after signing a MoU as part of Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations between the two countries in in Seoul on Thursday. | BSS photo

Bangladesh and South Korea have started negotiations for signing an Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries on Thursday.

Bangladesh interim government commerce adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Korean trade minister Inkyo Cheong attended the first meeting of the negotiation in Seoul, a message received in Dhaka said.

The MoU was also signed between the two countries as part of the initial step for signing the EPA on trade and investment, and infrastructure development.

Commerce secretary Md Selim Uddin and Korean deputy trade minister Jongwon Park were present.​

 

[Saif]

Korean EPZ finally gets mutation documents

The Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), the single largest private export processing zone in Bangladesh, has finally obtained the much-needed mutation documents from the government on February 6, a move that may facilitate more foreign investment in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

Korean EPZ finally gets mutation documents
It may open doors for more FDI

The Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), the single largest private export processing zone in Bangladesh, has finally obtained the much-needed mutation documents from the government on February 6, a move that may facilitate more foreign investment in the country.

Many proposals for foreign direct investment (FDI), such as Samsung, were withdrawn due to the lack of mutation documents for the KEPZ, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, at a press briefing in Dhaka yesterday.

Korean entrepreneur Kihak Sung, the highest merchandise exporter in the country from his company Youngone, also shifted some investment from Bangladesh to Vietnam for not having the mutation documents in a timely manner, the press secretary also said.

The government, which had earlier promised Sung to hand over the mutation document on February 6, fulfilled its commitment on time, raising expectations that FDI will return to Bangladesh.

Sung bought the land in Chattogram in 1999 and began setting up the EPZ on 2,500 acres of land.

However, he faced difficulties in obtaining the mutation documents due to government procedures and cumbersome processes.​

 

[Bilal9]

Korean EPZ finally gets mutation documents

The Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), the single largest private export processing zone in Bangladesh, has finally obtained the much-needed mutation documents from the government on February 6, a move that may facilitate more foreign investment in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

Korean EPZ finally gets mutation documents
It may open doors for more FDI

View attachment 14223

The Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), the single largest private export processing zone in Bangladesh, has finally obtained the much-needed mutation documents from the government on February 6, a move that may facilitate more foreign investment in the country.

Many proposals for foreign direct investment (FDI), such as Samsung, were withdrawn due to the lack of mutation documents for the KEPZ, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, at a press briefing in Dhaka yesterday.

Korean entrepreneur Kihak Sung, the highest merchandise exporter in the country from his company Youngone, also shifted some investment from Bangladesh to Vietnam for not having the mutation documents in a timely manner, the press secretary also said.

The government, which had earlier promised Sung to hand over the mutation document on February 6, fulfilled its commitment on time, raising expectations that FDI will return to Bangladesh.

Sung bought the land in Chattogram in 1999 and began setting up the EPZ on 2,500 acres of land.

However, he faced difficulties in obtaining the mutation documents due to government procedures and cumbersome processes.​

I am glad that Mr. Kihak Sung persisted on the KEPZ effort and did not give up on Bangladesh and its people despite the machinations of supremely corrupt Hasina starting in the early 2000s. She was an agent of India, who would ensure that no development of this sort ever took place in Bangladesh.

Having personally known him, he has been an wonderful unofficial ambassador for Korea in Bangladesh, who has sown seeds of economic well-being for hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis directly as well as indirectly.

Thousands of Bangladeshi families have surpassed the barriers of poverty to become middle class people, only due to employment in his various industrial concerns.

I and many others in Bangladesh in the industrial sector will forever gratefully remember his contribution towards Bangladesh' early export-based industrialization - starting in the 1980s.

 

[Saif]

I am glad that Mr. Kihak Sung persisted on the KEPZ effort and did not give up on Bangladesh and its people despite the machinations of supremely corrupt Hasina starting in the early 2000s.

Having personally known him, he has been an wonderful unofficial ambassador for Korea in Bangladesh, who has sown seeds of economic well-being for hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis directly as well as indirectly.

Thousands of Bangladeshi families have surpassed the barriers of poverty to become middle class people, only due to employment in his various industrial concerns.

I and many others in Bangladesh in the industrial sector will forever gratefully remember his contribution towards Bangladesh' early export-based industrialization - starting in the 1980s.

More power to Mr. Kihak Sung

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh feels like South Korea of the 80s

In the 1980s, South Korea embarked on an economic transformation that would turn it into a global manufacturing powerhouse driven by export-led industrialisation, strategic investments, and an increasingly skilled labour force.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh feels like South Korea of the 80s
Giordano Korea CEO sees ‘familiar signs of promise’ as he plans a factory in economic zone

In the 1980s, South Korea embarked on an economic transformation that would turn it into a global manufacturing powerhouse driven by export-led industrialisation, strategic investments, and an increasingly skilled labour force.

Around four decades later, Bangladesh, with its competitive workforce and growing industrial ecosystem, seems to be treading a similar path.

One of the keen observers of this evolution is Junseok Han, chairman and CEO of Giordano Korea, a retail giant that has become a household name across Asia.

Visiting Bangladesh for the first time to attend the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, Han was struck by what he called "familiar signs of promise".

Speaking to The Daily Star on the sidelines of the recently concluded summit, Han drew parallels between Bangladesh's current economic climate and Korea's growth phase decades ago.

"This country reminds me of where Korea was 30 to 40 years ago," Han said.

"There's tremendous opportunity here, especially in manufacturing and exports," he added.

Han's remarks come at a time when Korean interest in Bangladesh is steadily growing, and his visit signals a deeper intent to expand business operations in the country.

With plans to expand sourcing and potentially set up a manufacturing base, Giordano Korea could become the next big foreign player betting on Bangladesh's economic ascent.

Under Han's leadership, Giordano Korea saw its sales soar from two billion won (South Korea's currency) in 1994 to a 100-fold increase within the next six years.

By 2003, it became the most popular women's casual clothing brand in Korea.

Now, Han is setting his sights on Bangladesh, seeing it as the next chapter in his global journey.

"This is my first visit to Bangladesh, and I must say I'm deeply impressed," Han began, fresh from a series of meetings with government officials and business leaders.

"I met capable individuals, including ministers, chairmen and young professionals. They're highly attuned to global business trends. The country's leadership is strong and forward-thinking. I believe the future is bright for Bangladesh under their guidance."

Han's visit was part of a broader strategy to explore sourcing and manufacturing opportunities in emerging markets. With existing procurement ties in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia, Han believes Bangladesh is now firmly in that league, if not ahead. Asked what makes Bangladesh attractive to foreign investors, Han pointed first to its people.

"The individuals I've met -- especially younger professionals and factory workers -- are skilled and well-educated. That's a major asset," he said.

He likened Bangladesh's current state to South Korea in the 1970s and 80s -- a time when the Korean economy transitioned from agrarian roots into an industrial powerhouse.

"I see Bangladesh at a similar juncture now. Labour costs are still competitive, and that creates a fertile ground for manufacturing-led growth."

Han said Bangladesh has strong prospects in its labour-intensive sectors, such as garment production, electronics assembly, and light automotive components.

Despite his optimism, Han didn't shy away from pointing out the challenges -- particularly in logistics.

"Transportation is not convenient yet. Lead times are long, and this makes it hard to manage delivery schedules. Port access and shipping infrastructure need immediate attention."

"Focus on infrastructure. Streamline export processes and reduce lead times. Doing that alone would make a massive difference."

Han confirmed that Giordano Korea is not just here to observe but actively plans to establish a factory in one of Bangladesh's economic zones to ramp up production for exports to Korea and beyond.

"We currently source about $5-10 million worth of products annually from Bangladesh," Han said. "We aim to triple that amount within the next five years."

A recent visit to Youngone Corporation in Chattogram, one of Bangladesh's leading exporters, solidified his resolve.

"Their production capacity is impressive. It convinced us to expand our procurement footprint here," he added.

Reflecting on the investment summit, Han was enthusiastic.

"I've had meaningful discussions with many influential people here," he said. "Once I return to Seoul, I will initiate steps to strengthen our sourcing and investment strategies, with Bangladesh at the centre."

Han sees opportunities beyond just Giordano.

"Korean companies are definitely interested in Bangladesh. Hyundai, KIA, Samsung, and LG are already here, and more are exploring entry. I believe Bangladesh offers a favourable environment for Korean investors looking for long-term growth."

Han's optimism is rooted not only in data and forecasts but in a deeper vision of shared progress.

"There's so much potential here," he said. "If Bangladesh can overcome its infrastructure hurdles, I believe it will not just catch up, it will lead."

He also said that representatives and inventors of 27 companies from South Korea were interested in growing business with Bangladesh.

The CEO said that Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung is a pioneer in Bangladesh's readymade garments and textile sectors and is ideal for Korean investors.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus congratulates new South Korean President

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday congratulated Lee Jae-Myung on his election as the new South Korean president. In a message sent to Jae-Myung, the Chief Adviser said on behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh, and on his own behalf, he extends his warmest congratu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Prof Yunus congratulates new South Korean President

Published :
Jun 05, 2025 00:03
Updated :
Jun 05, 2025 00:03

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday congratulated Lee Jae-Myung on his election as the new South Korean president.

In a message sent to Jae-Myung, the Chief Adviser said on behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh, and on his own behalf, he extends his warmest congratulations to Jae-Myung on his election as the President of the Republic of Korea, UNB reports.

“Your victory reflects the deep trust and confidence that the people of Korea have placed in your leadership and vision for the nation. We wish you great success in fulfilling the aspirations of your citizens and in leading your country towards continued peace, prosperity, and stability,” said the Chief Adviser.

The Chief Adviser, in his message, mentioned that Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared values, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

“Since establishment of our diplomatic relations, Korea continues to be a key development partner and a major foreign investor in Bangladesh. I am confident that under your able leadership, the bonds of friendship between our two countries will grow even stronger, expanding into new avenues of collaboration and partnership for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

The Chief Adviser recalled that he and President Lee share the vision of improving lives of people through micro-credit programme.

"In particular, I fondly recall your initiative in establishing Jubilee Bank in Korea to provide small loans to low-income individuals,which has changed lives of millions in your country," he said.

"I look forward to closely working with you in the coming days both in my capacity as the Chief Adviser of interim Government as well as an advocate of microfinance and social business," the Chief Adviser added.

The Chief Adviser wished the new Korean president good health, happiness, and continued peace and prosperity for the people of the Republic of Korea.

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party was elected as Korean president on Wednesday.​

 

[Saif]

Korean Embassy, KOTRA organises Infrastructure Road Show in Dhaka

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the KOTRA Dhaka office organised the “Infrastructure Project Roadshow 2025” on Wednesday at the Amari Hotel for the sixth consecutive year to boost bilateral trade. Thirteen Bangladeshi state entities and 35 Korean construction and engineering c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Korean Embassy, KOTRA organises Infrastructure Road Show in Dhaka

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jun 26, 2025 19:14
Updated :
Jun 26, 2025 19:14

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the KOTRA Dhaka office organised the “Infrastructure Project Roadshow 2025” on Wednesday at the Amari Hotel for the sixth consecutive year to boost bilateral trade.

Thirteen Bangladeshi state entities and 35 Korean construction and engineering companies took part in the event.

Director General of KOTRA, Mr Jinhak Hur, in his welcoming speech, stressed the importance of infrastructure cooperation in developing close bilateral ties between the two countries.

Representatives from Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C, Dohwa Engineering, Kolon Global, KECC, and others from the Korean side, and representatives from the Planning Commission, Department of Roads and Highways, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL), Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (DESCO), Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC), Dhaka WASA, Chattogram WASA, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB), and Rural Electrification Board (REB) from the Bangladeshi side participated in the event.

Country Directors of the Korean Exim Bank and Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) were also present.

The Planning Commission made a presentation on the project approval process, which was well received by the Korean companies.

The meeting discussed that the planning approval process typically starts with a feasibility study and ends with administrative approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The presentations also highlighted the Annual Development Programme (ADP) formulation and the development planning systems in Bangladesh.

Following the presentations, one-on-one meetings were held between interested Korean companies and government authorities, based on the results of a prior demand survey.

Korean companies have long been partners of Bangladesh. In recent years, bilateral relations have witnessed remarkable developments in areas of cooperation beyond ready-made garments (RMG), particularly in infrastructure.

Korean companies are also playing an important role in infrastructure development projects in Bangladesh through engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and engineering consultancy services worth billions of dollars over the past few years.

Korea is also providing direct support through KIND-initiated Government-to-Government (G2G) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

The Korean Exim Bank is actively supporting infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, metro rail, power, water, and sewerage systems.

Through these initiatives, Korea aims to build even stronger ties with Bangladesh.

Participants in the roadshow expressed keen interest in further strengthening collaboration in infrastructure development.

The Bangladeshi side, expressing high satisfaction with the quality of work by Korean partners, stressed the strong potential for further cooperation between the two countries in developing Bangladesh's infrastructure.​

 

[Saif]

Greater cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea stressed

Participants at a programme laid emphasis on a greater cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea. They also stressed the need for further strengthening collaboration between the two countries especially in the field of infrastructure development. The observations were made an "Infrastructure

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Greater cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea stressed
Korean Embassy and KOTRA organises 'Infrastructure road show in Dhaka

FE REPORT
Published :
Jun 27, 2025 12:12
Updated :
Jun 27, 2025 12:12

Participants at a programme laid emphasis on a greater cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea.

They also stressed the need for further strengthening collaboration between the two countries especially in the field of infrastructure development.

The observations were made an "Infrastructure Project Roadshow 2025", organised by Embassy of the Republic of Korea and KOTRA Dhaka office organised in the city on Wednesday, aiming to boost bilateral trades between Bangladesh and Korea.

Thirteen state entities of Bangladeshi and 35 Korean construction and engineering companies took part in the sixth episode of such event at a city Hotel.

Director General of KOTRA, Jinhak Hur, in his welcoming speech at the programme, stressed the importance of infrastructure cooperation in developing close bilateral ties between the two countries, said a press release.

Representatives from Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C, Dohwa Engineering, Kolon Global, KECC etc. from Korean side and Planning Commission, Department of Roads and Highways, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL), Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (DESCO), Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC), Dhaka WASA, Chattogram WASA, Power Grid Corporation of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB), Rural Electrification Board (REB), from the Bangladesh side took part in the event.

Country directors of Korean Exim Bank, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure Urban Development Corporation (KIND) were also presented at the programme, according to the press release.

Planning Commission made a presentation on project approval process.

The planning approval process typically starts with feasibility study and ends with administrative approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, the programme was told.

The presentation also highlighted Annual Development Programme (ADP) formulation process and development planning systems in Bangladesh.

Following the presentation, one-on-one meeting was held between interested Korean companies and government authorities based on the results of the prior demand survey.

Korean companies have been long-standing partner of Bangladesh, said the press release.

In recent years, the bilateral relations between the two countries witnessed remarkable developments in areas of cooperation beyond the ready-made garment (RMG), particularly in infrastructure.

Korean companies are also playing important role in infrastructure development projects in Bangladesh through engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and engineering consultancy services worth over billions of dollars in the past few years, it added.

Korea is also directly supporting Bangladesh through KIND initiated G to G PPP projects.

Korean Exim Bank is actively supporting infrastructure projects such as Road, Railway, Metro Rail, Power, Water and Sewerage etc.

Through all these initiatives, Korea wants to build stronger ties with Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

South Korean ambassador urges alignment of EPZ Act with Labour Act to attract foreign investment

South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik on Monday stressed the need to further align Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Act 2019 with its Labour Act 2006 to create a more conducive environment for foreign investors. Highlighting the need to improve labour productivity, he also undersc

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

South Korean ambassador urges alignment of EPZ Act with Labour Act to attract foreign investment

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jul 14, 2025 19:31
Updated :
Jul 14, 2025 19:42

South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik on Monday stressed the need to further align Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Act 2019 with its Labour Act 2006 to create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.

Highlighting the need to improve labour productivity, he also underscored the importance of enhancing the operational efficiency of the Chattogram port, terming it key to facilitating smoother trade operations.

The foreign diplomat made the remarks at a courtesy call with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Mahmud Hasan Khan at the latter’s Uttara office in the city.

The meeting focused on exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and South Korea, according to a statement.

Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration, with particular emphasis on the textile and garment sectors, it added.

BGMEA vice president Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, director Faisal Samad, and member Israfil Atique were present while the Ambassador was accompanied by Kim Jeong ki, Consul at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, and Noh Chy Woo, Country Head, Spandex Performance Unit and Spandex Plant, Hyosung TNC Corporation (Bangladesh Liaison Office).

During the meeting, BGMEA President Mr Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s growing potential as a destination for South Korean exports of man-made fibres, textile machinery, chemical dyes, and other raw materials.

South Korea represents a promising market for Bangladeshi apparel exports, offering significant opportunities for mutually beneficial trade, he added, appreciating South Korea’s historical support in the development of Bangladesh’s garment industry—particularly in the areas of technical assistance and workforce training during the industry’s formative years.

He sought the ambassador’s support in expanding Bangladesh’s apparel exports to South Korea and attracting Korean investment in non-textile sectors within Bangladesh.

The BGMEA leader also emphasised the need for enhanced market intelligence sharing and stronger business-to-business connectivity between Korean and Bangladeshi enterprises to deepen economic cooperation.

Both parties expressed optimism that the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and South Korea would significantly benefit both countries by fostering deeper economic integration.​