Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended an invitation to the President of South Korea to visit Bangladesh at a mutually suitable time, as both countries seek to enhance bilateral trade and investment partnerships.

The invitation was presented during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and visiting South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin briefed reporters on the discussion.

At the beginning of the bilateral talks, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo outlined details regarding the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.

He noted that finalizing and implementing the agreement would expand trade and economic cooperation while driving South Korean capital into Bangladesh.

Yeo Han-koo highlighted that numerous South Korean firms are operating successfully in Bangladesh, with many others expressing strong interest in expanding their investment footprint in the country in the coming years.

Welcoming the prospect of increased foreign direct investment, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman encouraged South Korean businesses to invest across key growth sectors in Bangladesh, including electronics, toys, telecommunications, automobiles, semiconductors, and shipbuilding.

Emphasizing maritime collaboration, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman observed that South Korea possesses advanced expertise in the shipbuilding industry, whereas Bangladesh offers a competitive workforce.

He suggested that South Korea establish technical and language training institutes in Bangladesh to prepare local workers for employment opportunities within the Korean shipbuilding industry.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured the visiting delegation that the Bangladesh government would provide necessary administrative and operational support to South Korean firms choosing to invest in the domestic shipbuilding domain.

During the discussion, the Bangladeshi delegation informed Yeo Han-koo of plans to host a dedicated investment seminar in Bangladesh focused on engaging South Korean companies to explore emerging commercial ventures.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin, the Bangladeshi side also detailed the government's policy initiatives aimed at maintaining a favorable investment climate.

In response, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo expressed optimism, stating that the economic proposals advanced by Bangladesh would serve to solidify future bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

The high-level meeting was attended by Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, among other senior officials.