Dhaka: South African High Commissioner to Bangladesh Prof. Anil Sooklal today called for boosting trade and strengthening people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and South Africa, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship remains below its potential, particularly in the economic sphere.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof. Sooklal highlighted the lack of visibility in the relationship, noting that ignorance about each other's markets is a hindrance to business. Addressing members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he stressed the importance of enhancing trade, investment, education, culture, sports, and pharmaceuticals through joint efforts.
Prof. Sooklal, who also holds concurrent accreditation to India and Nepal, underscored the role of the private sector in driving economic relations, while governments create the enabling environment. He acknowledged challenges like visa issues and revealed that South Africa is exploring solutions to ease the visa process, including working on a mechanism with VFS to facilitate visa processing for Bangladeshi applicants.
Despite the absence of a South African mission in Dhaka, Prof. Sooklal reiterated its priority, emphasizing the need for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) to restore momentum in the relationship. He expressed hope for finalizing a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between a major South African trade chamber and its Bangladeshi counterpart by the end of the year.
Addressing safety concerns for foreign nationals in South Africa, Prof. Sooklal acknowledged past challenges but assured that the government effectively addresses such issues. He emphasized the role of Bangladeshi embassy collaboration with South African security agencies to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi citizens.
With an estimated 400,000 Bangladeshis living in South Africa, Prof. Sooklal viewed this as an opportunity to strengthen ties. He identified potential areas for joint ventures, suggesting agriculture and the minerals and mining sector as viable options for collaboration, given South Africa's infrastructure and expertise.
Beyond economic relations, Prof. Sooklal called for enhancing people-to-people contact through student, academic, and media exchanges to bring greater visibility to the relationship between the two nations.