Seoul:Bangladesh is pursuing stronger economic and defense relations with South Korea, advocating for an economic partnership agreement, increased investment, and expanded training opportunities during ministerial meetings in Seoul.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir met with Korean First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo and Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee. He delivered an invitation from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Bangladesh.
Kobir expressed Bangladesh's eagerness to deepen relations with Korea and welcomed progress on the Bangladesh-ROK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), hoping for its early conclusion. He pushed for enhanced bilateral trade and greater market access for Bangladeshi goods, alongside increased Korean investment in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, shipbuilding, and ICT.
The minister highlighted opportunities in agriculture, logistics, digital transformation, and services, seeking Korean support for expanding employment avenues for Bangladeshi workers under the Employment Permit System. Kobir also called for cooperation in climate resilience, infrastructure, and education.
Additionally, Kobir expressed gratitude for Korea's development partnership and humanitarian aid to the Rohingyas, seeking ongoing support for their repatriation to Myanmar. The meetings also addressed regional and international issues, emphasizing cooperation in multilateral forums.
In a separate discussion with Lee Doo-hee, the focus was on strengthening defense ties through training, capacity building, and peacekeeping collaborations. Kobir appreciated Korea's role in training Bangladesh's armed forces and invited further participation in specialized training programs. He also informed Korea about Bangladesh's plans to establish a defense industrial zone, inviting Korean investment.
The Korean side expressed interest in enhancing defense cooperation, including training and peacekeeping efforts.