Rakib Hasan
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the Republic of Korea to further enhance bilateral trade, deepen investment flows, and expand economic cooperation with Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s growing industrial base and investment-friendly environment.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday at Bangabhaban when newly appointed ambassadors from South Korea and Morocco presented their credentials. The credentials were first presented by Morocco’s ambassador Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali, followed by South Korea’s ambassador Kim Ji-joon. A ceremonial guard of honour was accorded by the President Guard Regiment upon their arrival.
Welcoming the diplomats, President Shahabuddin emphasized that South Korea remains one of Bangladesh’s most significant economic partners and a major source of foreign investment. He noted that more than a hundred Korean companies are currently operating in the country, including globally recognized multinational corporations such as Samsung and Hyundai. These firms are engaged in production and investment activities in Korean Export Processing Zones (EPZs), particularly those managed by the Youngone Group in Chattogram, as well as in other EPZs across Bangladesh.
The President underscored that Bangladesh is currently offering a stable, business-friendly environment following the formation of a democratically elected government through what he described as a free and fair electoral process. He encouraged the South Korean envoy to take initiatives aimed at expanding investment into key sectors including light engineering, electronics, shipbuilding, agro-processing, information and communication technology, ready-made garments, and infrastructure development.
A key point of discussion was Bangladesh’s request for continued preferential market access for its exports. President Shahabuddin specifically urged Seoul to maintain duty-free and quota-free access for 95 percent of Bangladeshi products for at least four more years following Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. He also expressed satisfaction with ongoing progress toward finalizing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, describing it as a major step forward in institutionalizing long-term trade relations.
The President further identified South Korea as a crucial development partner, acknowledging the role of Korean development agencies and concessional loans in supporting Bangladesh’s socio-economic advancement. He praised the Korean Employment Permit System (EPS), calling it a valuable mechanism for overseas employment, and sought enhanced cooperation for increasing the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in sectors such as shipbuilding, ICT, and manufacturing.
In response, Ambassador Kim Ji-joon reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh. He expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange, and assured that he would work actively to deepen bilateral engagement.
During a separate interaction with the Moroccan ambassador, President Shahabuddin highlighted the positive trajectory of Bangladesh–Morocco relations, recalling historical diplomatic ties, including the 1981 visit of former President Ziaur Rahman to Morocco. He also appreciated Morocco’s gesture of naming a road in Rabat after the late leader.
The President encouraged Morocco to expand opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in healthcare, agriculture, construction, garments, textiles, and ICT sectors. He stressed the importance of increased high-level exchanges and private-sector engagement to unlock untapped trade and investment potential between the two countries.
Senior officials from Bangabhaban and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present during the credential ceremony and subsequent discussions.
