Bangladesh Foreign Relations

[Manazir]

Bros,

We shall discuss about bilateral and multilateral relations of Bangladesh with countries in South Asia, Far East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, Europe, North & Latin America in this thread. It is important to discuss about foreign affairs of Bangladesh

Also, we shall discuss about Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, policy and foreign affairs related stuff here as well as news on overseas Bangladeshis.

[Manazir]

Most of BD missions, commercial wings fail to achieve export target last fiscal


Mashiur Rahaman

Performance of 44 Bangladeshi missions and 16 commercial wings abroad has deteriorated during the last fiscal year, as most of those failed in promoting export in their assigned countries.

The mission-wise export target and performance evaluation report of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), published last week, shows that 28 Bangladeshi missions abroad, out of 44, failed to meet their targets last year.

A similar unconvincing performance was recorded for Bangladeshi commercial wings, as 10 wings, out of total 16, failed to meet their export targets, the EPB report showed.

In the 2007-08 fiscal also, 20 Bangladeshi missions failed to achieve their targets, it added.

The entire scenario is very much disappointing, an EPB officer told the FE. He said the anemic performance of Bangladeshi missions and commercial wings was one of the main reasons behind the country's slow export growth witnessed in the last fiscal.

"When global economy was in trouble due to recession, our missions and commercial wings were instructed and expected to perform more vigorously," he said.

They were assigned with the special task of taking advantage of the recession scenario by promoting the country's cheaper products abroad, he said.

"But our missions and commercial wings have responded with one of their worst-ever performance," the EPB officer added.

According to the EPB yearly performance report, the target achieving missions in 2008-09 were Tashkent, Pretoria, Washington, the Hague, Ottawa, Hanoi, Tokyo, Canberra, Bangkok, Riyadh, Kuala Lampur, Brunei, Dubai, Ankara, Manila and Katmandu.

Among 28 missions, who failed to achieve their export targets, included the country's prime export destinations like Berlin, Kuwait, Rome, Paris, London, Brussels and New Delhi.

Bangladeshi mission in Washington was the best performer during the last fiscal year in terms of value, as it earned $4.23 billion. Meanwhile, Bangkok mission was on the top in terms of growth rate, as it recorded 177 per cent growth against the target.

On the other hand, commercial wings, who recorded positive performance by fulfilling or exceeding their targets in the 2008-09 fiscal, were Washington, Ottawa, Tokyo, Kuala Lampur, Dubai and Canberra.

Commercial wings in Moscow, Brussels, Madrid, Beijing, Yangon, New Delhi, Tehran, Paris, Berlin and London failed to achieve their targets.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.co.../04/78109.html

[samaruf]

Originally Posted by Manazir

Bangladeshi mission in Washington was the best performer during the last fiscal year in terms of value, as it earned $4.23 billion....

What does earn mean in this regard? Is it the remittance sent by US Bangladeshis or investment/aid of some kind?

[samaruf]

The article is about exports, so the $4.3 billion is how much BD exported to the USA. I get it now.

[Manazir]

indeed

plus, the article has a little mistake in it. Bangladesh has around 46-50 resident diplomatic missions worldwide, NOT 44.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banglad...matic_missions

seeing the wiki article is edited, we had missions in Nigeria, Brazil, and Senegal earlier! Ohwell, new 7 missions are coming soon in Greece, Lebanon, Romania, Sudan, Mauritius, Angola and Botswana.

[Manazir]

Moscow keen to strengthen ties with Dhaka

First Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation Andrey I Denisov said here yesterday that Russia is ready to further strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh.

He made the remarks when the newly appointed Bangladesh ambassador to Russia, Dr SM Saiful Hoque, called on him to hand over a copy of his credentials.

With the submission of the credentials, Dr Hoque becomes functional as ambassador to Russia from yesterday. The formal presentation of the credentials to President Dimitry Medvedev in the Kremlin will take place at a shorter date.

During the meeting, Ambassador Hoque recalled with gratitude the enormous contribution of the government and people of the former USSR to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971 and their role in demining the Chittagong area as well as the reconstruction and development of the war-ravaged country.

Denisov recalled the historic visit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Russia in 1973. He also highly regarded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He assured that Russia would support its efforts in all possible areas. The first deputy foreign minister particularly referred to development of energy sector in Bangladesh.

He further stated that despite global economic recession, Russian State Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) is ready to set up nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

Denisov also informed that now there is no barrier to import wheat from Russia. He underscored the need to widen the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the ICT and cultural areas which will facilitate cooperation in other areas.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesig...php?nid=104481

[Manazir]

Russia opens its door to Bangladesh frozen food

The country's ailing frozen food sector gets a much-needed boost after European giant Russia has for the first time approved four companies of Bangladesh to export fish and shrimp products to that country.

Russian inspectors examined seven Bangladeshi shrimp processing firms recently and gave the clearance to Bagerhat Sea Food Ltd, Fresh Foods Ltd, Apex Food Ltd and ARK Sea Food Ltd.

The approval means the four companies can now export Bangladeshi shrimps and other fish products to Europe's most populous nation subject to signing a formal deal between Dhaka and Moscow.

In the past, Russian importers used to buy a small amount of Bangladeshi frozen food via non-formal channels, mostly from a third party importer in a European nation.

The clearance means Bangladeshi exporters can export bigger quantity directly to the Russian buyers.

Officials said both countries would now sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within a month, which would then allow the companies to export shrimps and other fish products through Russia's nearly 100 ports.

"It's a very good news for Bangladeshi fish exporters. And it came at a time when our frozen food industry is passing through one of the worst crisis," said Rafiqul Islam, director general of Fisheries Department.

"The Russian market is very important and has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Opening of this market would hugely boost our export," he said.

Islam said although initially four companies got the Russian veterinary and phyto-sanitary surveillance clearance, most of the country's top frozen food exporters would gradually win export approval.

The permission came after a high-power team of Russian food, sanitary and fish inspection team visited Bangladesh in May and examined the quality control facilities and standards of Bangladeshi food processing plants.

Exporters have hailed opening of the Russian market, as the country alone accounts for some 10 percent of the European market.

"After a series of bad news finally we have got something to cheer about. Russian market means a lot to Bangladeshi exporters. We hope it will end the gloom that's now prevailing in the sector," an exporter said.

The country exported 72888.62 metric tones of fish --- mainly sweet and saline water shrimps --- worth $534 million in the 2008-9, down nearly 15 per cent than the previous fiscal year.

Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association said the fall was due to the global recession that has sapped demand for luxury food items such as shrimp in the west.

The frozen food industry also suffered a major blow when thousands of farms were destroyed and washed away by Cyclone Aila in May. The exporters said they lost 40 per cent of their production in the disaster.

In addition, local exporters were forced to voluntarily suspend shipment of fresh water prawn to Europe for six months to October following detection of toxic nitrofuran in the export cargoes.

http://www.thefinanc...9/06/78223.html

[Manazir]

New German envoy meets president

Wed, Sep 9th, 2009 3:17 pm BdST

Dhaka, Sept 9 (bdnews24.com)--New German ambassador Holger Michael met with president Zillur Rahman on Wednesday, the German embassy said in a statement.

The ambassador conveyed the friendly greetings of the German president to the people of Bangladesh.

"Germany and Bangladesh are united in a long and uninterrupted tradition of friendship and cooperation," the German president, Horst Kohler, said in the letter of credence.

Michael, the envoy, lauded Bangladesh's achievement in the fight against poverty.

"The German government acknowledges the significant challenges facing Bangladesh including climate change. Germany continues to be one of the major development partners of Bangladesh," he said.

He was hopeful of increased trade and investment between the two countries.

"We see still scope for increased trade and investment in both directions and are therefore committed to further expand our vibrant trade links."

The envoy said his country is determined to support all efforts to strengthen democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.

He praised the constructive role of Bangladesh in international politics.

"Germany supports Bangladesh's efforts in the promotion of regional cooperation and stability in South Asia, Bangladesh's engagement in UN peace keeping operations and her role as speaker for the group of Least Developed Countries," Michael said.

Prior to his assignment in Dhaka, Michael was head of Trade Promotion at the Federal Foreign Office. He served as deputy head of mission in Bangkok and Hong Kong, the statement said.

He was also assigned to countries Korea, Nicaragua and Turkey, it added

[Manazir]

PM Hasina leaves for New York to attend UNGA session

Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here for New York Monday night to attend the UN General Assembly session.

A regular flight of Emirates Airlines carrying Hasina and her entourage took off from Zia International Airport at about 10:52pm.

After a two-hour stay at Dubai international airport, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will fly for New York by another Emirates flight at 2pm (local time) and is expected to reach New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport at 7:45am on September 22.

Sheikh Hasina will stay at Hotel Grand Hyatt during her US visit.

On September 26, as the 8th speaker of the day, the Bangladesh premier will deliver her statement in the 64th UNGA session in which she will focus on the adverse impacts of climate change and global financial crisis as well as the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is one of the countries with the worst exposure to extreme weather conditions caused by global warming, due largely to worldwide excessive carbon emissions, and seeks financial and technological assistance to adapt to the changing climate.

Apart from attending the programmes of the UNGA session, the Prime Minister will attend a meeting of 25 selected heads of state and government on climate change. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon has convened the meeting for September 22.

She will also have a meeting with US President Barack Obama on September 23 along with leaders of nine other top UN peacekeeper-contributing countries.

Besides, on the sidelines of the UNGA session, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will have significant bilateral talks with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Kenya and Nepal and the Presidents of South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Nasrul Hamid Bipu MP and noted intellectual Mostafa Nurul Islam, among others, are accompanying the Prime Minister on her New York trip.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home on October 1.

http://www.unbconnec...sk,show/id,4918

[Manazir]

Hasina reaches NY, set for dinner with Ban

Dhaka, Sep 22 (bdnews24.com)--Prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in New York on Tuesday morning local time, will join 24 other heads of government at a dinner hosted by secretary- general Ban Ki Moon in the evening, a top official said.

"She's arrived and on her way to hotel," said Dr A K Abdul Momen, Bangladesh's permanent representative to the UN at 8pm Dhaka time (9am NY time).

"We kept the morning free since it's been a long flight for her starting on the Eid day in Dhaka," Dr Momen said, speaking to bdnews24.com by phone.

Hasina spent 21 hours on the flight, including a stop at Dubai, to reach New York and will make an appearance at the climate summit venue hours later, the ambassador said.

The ambassador stressed the "exclusivity" of the event with Ban as "the dinner with the secretary-general will be attended by just 25 heads of government".

The prime minister will seek to use the event to unite the worse-affected countries and resolve compensation claims for climate change, foreign secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said on Monday.

Hasina left for New York on Monday night to attend the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Summit.

She will address climate change issues and join in talks with leaders of countries contributing UN peacekeeping troops around the world, as part of a weeklong trip, said Quayes, who joined the prime minister's 23-member delegation to the UN assembly.

Foreign minister Dipu Moni was already in New York ahead of the UN meet.

Other delegation members include cabinet secretary M Abdul Aziz, the prime minister's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad, former envoy Mohammad Ziauddin, MP Nasrul Hamid Bipu and columnist Mustafa Nurul Islam.

Hasina and US president Barack Obama are due to attend a sidelines meeting of nine countries contributing major UN peacekeeping forces around the world on Sept 23.

Bangladesh is a leading contributor to the peacekeeping missions, with around 10,000 personnel from the country engaged in different missions around the world.

The prime minister is scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in honour of women heads of governments and women foreign ministers, on Sept 24.

Hasina is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Sri Lanka's prime minister, Kenya's prime minister the Commonwealth secretary general, and OIC secretaries general on Sept 25.

She will address the General Assembly on Sept 26.

The prime minister is due back on Oct 1.

http://www.bdnews24....&id=143253&hb=1

[Manazir]

President Zillur Rahman goes to Saudi Arabia Tuesday

Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) - President Zillur Rahman will make a six-day state visit to Saudi Arabia from September 22 on invitation from King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.

The President will leave for Saudi Arabia by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2pm.

Zillur Rahman will attend the inauguration of the newly established King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah and a dinner to be hosted by the Saudi monarch on September 23.

The President will say his Maghrib prayer at the holy Makkah Sharif and perform Umrah on September 24. On September 25, he will offer his Asr, Maghrib and Esha prayers at Masjid-e-Nababi in Madinah and visit the holy shrine of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (pbuh).

After staying in Jeddah on September 26 on his way back, the President will return to Dhaka on September 27. President’s son, Nazmul Hasan MP, and other family members, secretary of the President’s Office, Military Secretary, President’s personal physician, Assistant Personal
Secretary and Deputy Press Secretary will accompany the President on the trip.

http://www.unbconnec...sk,show/id,4981

[Manazir]

Germany assures Bangladesh of providing technical support to attract more investment

BSS Dhaka

Newly appointed German ambassador to Bangladesh Holger Michael has assured Bangladesh of providing technical support to adopt modern technologies in industrial sector for attracting more investments.

"Adoption of technology is needed for Bangladesh to cope with the competitive world. Germany has a lot of expertise which could be shared with Bangladesh," said the new German envoy while he was welcomed by German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) at a city hotel on Tuesday night.

A host of businessmen welcomed Holger Michael, also a noted economist, saying that under the leadership of the 'goodwill ambassador', the relations between the two countries in terms of trade and commerce will get a new height in the days ahead.

Professor of Dhaka University and director of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Dr Moyeen presented the keynote paper on how the trade volume would be augmented identifying new areas.

Former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Anwarul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, BKMEA President Fazlul Haque and executive director of BGCCI Mir Muniruzzaman were among the Bangladeshi business leaders who took part in a brief question and answer session at the reception.

"Germany accepts more change in economic policy in terms of trade and commerce and tax reform is the main areas of the change," said Michael.

President of BGCCI Saiful Islam said Bangladesh has become the second largest export destination of German importers as the balance of payment stood at US$ 2.8 billion in 2008 while it was 1.56 billion US dollar in 2007 led by RMG, fibers, textiles, leather and ceramic products.

Bangladesh is now concentrating on product diversification to German markets as around 90 percent Bangladeshi exportable products is readymade garment, said BGCCI president.

Bangladesh is struggling to come out of the LDCs but there is an image problem in the world, he said and urged the germen government to help project Bangladesh's positive image in the world.

Former senior Vice President of Bangladesh Association of Software Information Services (BASIS) TIM Nurul Kabir said the German government is working with India for promotion of IT sector between the two countries. The German government could also be benefited to a large extent by utilizing Bangladeshi IT professionals in Germany.

http://nation.ittefa...02/news0587.htm

[Manazir]

Thailand keen to invest in Bangladesh

BSS, Dhaka

Thai government is keen to invest in Bangladesh's potential sectors and infrastructure development. "Thai Prime Minister has already taken necessary measures in this regard," Industries Minister Dilip Barua told journalists here today on his return from Thailand ending a four-day official visit there.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Shah Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) AK Fazlul Ahad and high officials of Bangladesh Thailand Business Society (BTBS) accompanied the minister during his visit. Dilip Barua said he made a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday and the Thai premier evinced keen interest to invest in Bangladesh in priority sectors.

During the meeting, the minister said, he requested the Thai premier to increase investment between the two countries.

Barua also met with Thai Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Panich Vikitsreth and discussed various issues, including increase of contacts both at the government and private levels between the two countries and strengthening bilateral relations.

A peaceful investment-friendly atmosphere is now prevailing in Bangladesh as the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered investment-friendly facilitates, Barua told the Thai minister.

http://nation.ittefa...03/news0678.htm

[jjsheed]

Yangon warns US oil co against hunt in Bay of Bengal

DHAKA: A fresh confrontation appears to be brewing between Myanmar and Bangladesh as Yangon has warned the US energy giant ConocoPhillips against exploring an offshore block for Dhaka in Bay of Bengal, which it said were in disputed waters.

Bangladesh officials claimed that Myanmar along with issuing the warning had mobilised extra troops on frontiers sparking tension on the border.

An official said the US oil company sought to take up the matter with the foreign ministry. He said the company had received the warning letter claiming that the offshore Block 11, awarded to it by Bangladesh, was located within Myanmar's maritime bounda ry.

“The ConocoPhillips' officials want to discuss the issue with the foreign ministry. We have taken steps so that a meeting can be held this week,” the New Age reported quoting official who said that the overlapping claim areas was “not significantly large ”.

The US company earlier informed the state-run Petrobangla, which awarded it the block, about the Yangon warning asking it not to take over offshore Block 11.

The development came as reports from the South Eastern frontiers, bordering junta-ruled Myanmar, said Yangon mobilised extra border troops in the frontline sparking tension in the area over the past two weeks. - PTI

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/10061507.htm

It sucks having a dimwitted neighbor.

[amar11372]

Also a dimwitted Govt who doesn't have any balls and can't stand up to anyone.

[TIslam]

Originally Posted by amar11372

Also a dimwitted Govt who doesn't have any balls and can't stand up to anyone.

I wonder whether SMR or Zia had they been running the show, would have shown any backbone at times like this. No government political or otherwise, post SMR and Zia, have demonstrated their capacity or the wherewithal to provide strong leadership on national issues. They are just lame,very lame.

[jjsheed]

Originally Posted by amar11372

Also a dimwitted Govt who doesn't have any balls and can't stand up to anyone.

Agreed, both India and Burma have submitted their maritime claims and disputes to the UN while good ol' GOB has yet to make a move.

[amar11372]

Now I am not gonna state that we should be hawkish toward a country with 1 billion people but if we can't even make our rightful stance against Myanmar then somewhere in history we seriously failed as a nation. Very sad.

[TIslam]

Originally Posted by amar11372

Now I am not gonna state that we should be hawkish toward a country with 1 billion people but if we can't even make our rightful stance against Myanmar then somewhere in history we seriously failed as a nation. Very sad.

If one can be firm without being confrontational, I'm sure the same profile could be adopted in a country's foreign policy. After all, everybody appreciates and recognizes if one stands up for oneself if it is a just and fair cause.

[nayeem007]

Originally Posted by amar11372

Now I am not gonna state that we should be hawkish toward a country with 1 billion people but if we can't even make our rightful stance against Myanmar then somewhere in history we seriously failed as a nation. Very sad.

That is the reason I was trying to explain the importance of modernizing our military, airforce and Navy.

Bay of Bengal is our most valuable resource and we have to be able to protect our maritime boundary to be self sufficient in energy.