Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged South Korean companies to expand investment in Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities in shipbuilding, semiconductors, electronics, telecommunications, automotive manufacturing and the toy industry, as both countries move closer to signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The PM made the call when South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo made a courtesy call on him at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, sai the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.
At the meeting, Yeo briefed the prime minister on the progress of the CEPA, saying the agreement is awaiting signing and is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, economic cooperation and South Korean investment in Bangladesh once it comes into effect.
He said many South Korean companies are already operating successfully in Bangladesh and that many more are interested in investing in the country.
Rahman invited South Korean investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh's toy manufacturing, electronics, telecommunications, automotive, semiconductor and shipbuilding sectors.
Noting South Korea's global expertise in shipbuilding and Bangladesh's large workforce, the prime minister proposed establishing training centers in Bangladesh to provide technical and language training for workers, enabling them to contribute to South Korea's shipbuilding industry.
He also assured South Korean companies of the government's full support for investments in Bangladesh's shipbuilding sector.
The two sides also discussed organizing a seminar involving South Korean companies operating in Bangladesh.
Yeo was briefed on various government initiatives to further improve the country's investment climate.
In response, the South Korean minister said Bangladesh's proposals would help strengthen bilateral relations in the years ahead.
Rahman also invited the South Korean president to pay an official visit to Bangladesh.
Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Economic Affairs and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and other senior officials attended the meeting.