Bangladesh Newsflash Edition 75 and 76, December 2017 & January 2018

Newsflash Bangladesh is a publication by the give us your comments, please feel free to send a Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in message to [email protected]. For further . The newsflash provides an update on practical economic information about Bangladesh, economic developments, the most important tenders please refer to the Netherlands Bangladesh Business and a selection of other relevant business news Platform – www.nbbp.org developed by the Embassy related to Bangladesh. This newsflash is shared with of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh in a distinctive group of Dutch businesses with special collaboration with Dutch Business University interests in Bangladesh. It is put together on the basis Nyenrode for the Dutch-Bangladeshi business of publicly available information from various community. The platform bundles information on all sources such as news articles, press releases, and that is relevant for doing business in Bangladesh, third party information. The Embassy of the Kingdom providing targeted sector analysis, insights into risks of the Netherlands in Dhaka is not responsible for the and opportunities of doing business, including accuracy of the published information. If you do not concrete advice on good business practices, an wish to receive the Newsflash Bangladesh, or would overview of the most relevant government policies like to add a person to the distribution list, or if you for intending investors and much more. would like to

Highlights

• A new ‘wage board’ was formed to review the existing wages of the garment industry workers. • IndustriALL Global Union and UNI Global Union have reached a $2.3 million settlement with a multinational apparel brand to fix life-threatening workplace hazards in Bangladesh's garment factories. • The country’s first-ever six-lane flyover on Dhaka- highway at Mohipal in Feni was opened. • World Bank gives $150m to modernise trade related infrastructure, systems and procedures, including setting up a National Single Window to facilitate faster and more transparent international trade procedures and to reduce transaction time and cost for the private sector With the loan also four land ports will be developed and improved. • The construction of the first-ever nuclear plant in Bangladesh, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, has started.. • The Payra Port Authority signed a deal with a Belgium-based company to start capital dredging of the port's main channel to facilitate the entry of large ships. • The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) signed a contract with the Netherlands-based consultancy firm ‘Public Domain Architecten’ to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study on a floating harbour at the port's outer anchorage.

1 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018

• Scientists in Bangladesh have developed the country's first biotech rice variety with strong and stout stems making it easier to reap by mechanical harvesters. • Bangladesh Bank has made it mandatory for foreign enterprises to get approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) for transferring funds from Bangladesh to another country. • Dhaka WASA signed a 'Water Operators Partnership-2’ (WOP-2) with the Dutch firm ‘Vitens Evides International’ to strengthen DWASA's recently introduced District Meter Area (DMA) technology for pressurized water supply. • Bangladesh is ahead of its neighbors in the Inclusive Development Index 2018 from the World Economic Forum (WEF) that placed the country in 34th position among emerging economies. Political update

• The verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman and four others, will be delivered on February 8. In case of a condemnation, protests and demonstrations with possible violence could be expected. • More than 600.000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since August 2017, when security forces launched a violent crackdown in Northern Rakhine State. Bangladesh will soon sign a document with the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, to carry forward the repatriation process. The international community reiterated its call for ‘safe, voluntary and dignified’ return of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar. However, it is unclear when the first Rohingya will be able to return to Myanmar

Textile and Ready Made Garments (RMG)

Suits, blazers emerging as strong export items (The Daily Star) Suits and blazers have emerged as one of BKMEA signs deal on health services for factory the most promising value-added apparel items from workers (The Financial Express) The Bangladesh Bangladesh as local entrepreneurs train their focus Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association on grabbing a share of the $52 billion tailoring (BKMEA) has signed a Memorandum of market. Bangladesh's men's tailoring industry now Understanding (MoU) with the Marie Stopes exports $200 million worth of products, up from Bangladesh and the Directorate General of Family about $20 million even 3-4 years ago. Even five years Planning ago, there was only one suit manufacturing factory (GDFP) on in Bangladesh. Now, the number is more than six, health services said Humayun Rashid, managing director of to garment Energypac Fashions, one of the leading suit workers and exporters from Bangladesh. The company ships suits their family worth $26 million a year. “The value addition in the members. suits segment is very high,” he said. The cutting and They signed making charges for suits range between $6 and $8 the trilateral MOU in association with the per unit whereas sometimes a dozen of T-shirts Netherlands embassy. They inked the deal with the from Bangladesh are sold at $6. The retailers pay aim to extend health services to the readymade between $15 and $30 for a piece of suit from garment (RMG) workers and employees working in Bangladesh. Apart from China, Vietnam, India and factories under the BKMEA. The deal will play a vital Turkey, European countries like Italy, France, role in providing health services like family planning Portugal, Bulgaria and Romania manufacture suits and reproductive health care to the RMG family. on an industrial scale. The UK, the US, Japan and Germany are the major export destinations for suits RMG export to India sees stellar growth, China falls and blazers from Bangladesh. Swedish retail giant in Jul-Nov (The New Age) Country’s readymade H&M and British retailer Marks & Spencer are the garment export to India in the July-November major customers of suits and blazers from period of the current financial year grew by 56.35 Bangladesh, exporters said. per cent riding on an impressive performance by 2 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 knitwear products, while RMG export to China fell Industries Ltd started producing PSF for the first by 10.93 per cent during the period. RMG export to time in Bangladesh with an aim to reduce pollution India in the five months of FY 2017-18 increased to caused by plastic and contribute to the national $87.43 million from $55.92 million in the same economy. PSF is kind of polyester fiber made period of FY 2016-17, according to the Export directly from recycled bottle flakes and the fiber is Promotion Bureau data. In the period, knitwear used widely in spinning to make polyester spun yarn export to India grew by 68.70 per cent to $30.12 which is then knitted or weaved into fabrics. ‘More million from $17.85 million. EPB data showed that than three years ago, I visited a PSF producing export earnings from India in the July-November factory in China and the technology inspired me to period of FY18 set up the same plant in Bangladesh as millions of grew by 4 per plastic pet bottles are affecting our environment for cent to lack of recycling,’ said Abul Kalam Mohammad $288.20 Musa, managing director of Mumanu Polyester million Industries Ltd. He informed that production in his compared factory started in October this year and was with that of producing 40 tonnes of recycled PSF every day, $277.12 which meant that more than 40 tonnes of plastic million in the same period of FY17. Export earnings bottles were being recycled in the units. from China in the five months fell by 26.42 per cent to $283.96 million from $385.95 million. Country’s New wage board for RMG sector formed (The Daily export earnings from most of the major destinations Star) The government has formed a new wage board except United States and Germany registered a to review the existing wages of the garment industry significant growth in the five months of this financial workers on January 14, 2018. Bangladesh Garment year. Country’s export earnings witnessed a slight Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) positive growth in the US market, overcoming the made a request to form the wage board. BGMEA negative growth in the largest destination for President Siddiqur Rahman and Women's Affairs Bangladesh’s exports. According to the EPB data, Secretary of Jatiya Sramik League Shamsunnahar export earnings from the US grew by 1.58 per cent Bhuiyan have been included in the board with four to $2.33 billion in the five months of FY18 from other permanent members. The committee will $2.29 billion in the same period of FY17. Apparel submit a report with recommendations within six products fetched $1.55 billion in export earnings months after scrutinizing the present salary with a 22.18-per cent growth in the period. Export structure of the RMG workers. The government will earnings from Spain in July-November in FY18 grew finalize the salary structure following their report. by 25.59 per cent to $1 billion from $800.93 million in the same period of FY17. From the Netherlands, Global apparel brand agrees to fix Bangladesh export earnings rose by 33.52 per cent to $508.19 factory flaws (The Financial Express) IndustriALL million in the five months of FY18. Global Union and UNI Global Union have reached a $2.3 million settlement with a multinational apparel First ever Bangladeshi company producing brand to fix life-threatening workplace hazards in polyester staple fibers from plastic bottles (The Bangladesh's garment factories. The settlement New Age) A Bangladeshi company for the first time reached through an arbitration process under the is producing and exporting polyester staple fibers legally-binding Bangladesh Accord on Fire and recycling plastic bottles considering the growing Building Safety represents one of the largest market of man-made fibers in the global textile payments made by a brand to remedy workplace industry. Setting dangers in its supply chain. The brand, which cannot up a plastic be named under the terms of the settlement, has recycling plant agreed to pay $2.0 million towards remediation of spending about more than 150 garment factories in Bangladesh. The Tk200 crore, apparel maker will contribute a further US$300,000 Mumanu into IndustriALL and UNI's joint Supply Chain Worker Polyester Support Fund, established to support the work of

3 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 the global unions to improve pay and conditions for implement the project which will cover 58 workers in global supply chains. in , , Natore, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, and Joypurhat districts. The project will be implemented by June, 2022 and

Infrastructure the entire fund will come from the government

exchequer. Rural people's accessibility to village World Bank gives $150m to help upgrade 4 land market, health centre, educational and other ports (The Daily Star) Bangladesh yesterday signed service-delivery institutions will be enhanced after a $150 million financing agreement with World Bank the project is implemented. The improved to modernise trade related infrastructure, systems infrastructures will reduce transport cost, develop and procedures. The government will set up a marketing system, increase production and National Single Window, which will allow traders to marketing facilities of agricultural products, which submit all import, export and transit information will contribute a lot to socioeconomic development required by customs and other key regulatory in the region. agencies via a single electronic gateway under a WB- financed project. This will facilitate faster and more City Group gets license to set up economic zone transparent international trade procedures and (The Daily Star) City Group got a licence from reduce transaction time and cost for the private Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) to set sector. These improvements will help Bangladesh up “City Economic Zone Limited” on 77.96 acres of strengthen regional connectivity and boost trade land in 's Rupganj. The group has with India, Bhutan and Nepal. With the loan, four already opened letters of credit to import land ports -- Bhomra, Sheola, Ramgarh and machinery for three industrial units inside the zone. Benapole -- will be developed and improved under With electricity connections already in place for Bangladesh Regional Connectivity Project 1. The investors, the zone expects to employ 3,000 people credit is from International Development within the first year of commercial production and Association, WB's concessional lending arm. The take it to over 20,000 in the next five years. loan is interest-free and repayable in 38 years, Industries expected to open plants include food and including a six-year grace period, and carries a beverage and export oriented business service charge of 0.75 percent. organisations. Prime Minister opens country’s first 6-lane flyover Oil, Gas & Energy in Feni (New Age) Prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first-ever six-lane flyover Bangladesh enters nuclear world (The Financial on Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Mohipal in Feni. Express) Bangladesh entered the nuclear world as The construction work on the project began on April Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the main 1 in 2015 and completed six months ahead of its construction scheduled time. The length of the flyover is 660m work on the while the width is 24.62m. The service road length is much-awaited 1,370m, while the service road width 7.5m and the Rooppur Nuclear footpath length 2,210m. The flyover has 11 spans Power Plant, the and 132 guarders. Engineering construction division first-ever of Bangladesh Army and Abdul Monem Limited nuclear plant of implemented the project at a cost of Tk 181.48 the country. She formally launched the main crore. construction work on the plant by pouring concretes at the plant site at Rooppur in Iswardi, north off LGED to implement Tk 20.8b development project Pabna. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister in Rajshahi region (The Financial Express) The Sheikh Hasina said, "This is a joyful day for us. government has taken an initiative to implement a Bangladesh enters the nuclear world with the mega project in Rajshahi division, excluding beginning of the construction work of the main , at an estimated cost of Tk 20.80 billion for structure. It's a pride and joy for us as a nation." She overall rural infrastructure development. Local said her government took initiatives to meet the Government Engineering Department (LGED) will high demand of electricity of people after taking 4 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 office in 2009. "We undertook short-, mid- and long- system. The country's electricity generation would term plans to meet the demand. Now the total increase by around 3,000 MW next year. The entire electricity production capacity rose to nearly 16,000 country will be brought under power network by megawatt. About 83 per cent people have come December 2018. under electricity coverage." Prime Minister opens four power plants, 100% Reliance executes 1st phase of 750mw power electrification in 10 upazilas (Dhaka Tribune) Prime plant, 500 mmscfd LNG terminal - Largest Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated four new investment in country’s energy sector (The power plants, including two solar power plants as Financial Express) The Reliance Power recently well as 100% electrification in 10 upazilas through a announced completion of its integrated project videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban agreements' first phase in Bangladesh. The first residence. The power plants are Shikalbaha 225- phase of Reliance Power's integrated project MWCombined Cycle Power Plant, Chapainawabganj consists of 750 megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Gas 100-MW Power Plant, Shalla 400 kilowatt Solar Based Power Plant to be set up at Meghnaghat near Power Plant and Sharishabari 3-MW Solar Power Dhaka (Power Plant. The 10 upazilas brought under 100% Project) and electrification are Faridpur Sadar in Faridpur, 500 mmscfd in Madaripur, Kamarkhand in LNG Terminal Sirajganj, Akhaura in Brahmmanbaria, at Kutubdia Brahmmanbaria Sadar, Shalikha in Magura, Island in Cox's Meherpur Sadar, Madan in Netrakona and Belabo in Bazar (LNG Narsingdi. Terminal Project). The integrated project entails an Water/Maritime investment outlay of over $ 1 billion, which represents the largest foreign direct investment Payra Port: Deal for capital dredging signed (The (FDI) in Bangladesh and the largest investment in Daily Star) The Payra Port Authority signed a deal Bangladesh's energy sector. Reliance Power will with a Belgium-based company to start capital relocate one module of world-class equipment dredging of the port's main channel to facilitate procured from internationally-reputed original entry of large ships that cannot berth now at equipment manufacturers for its 2,250 MW Chittagong and Mongla ports. The dredging of the combined cycle power project at Samalkot in 36.5 nautical-mile channel is expected to begin in Andhra Pradesh, India for the Phase-1 project in September next year, and it will cost an estimated Bangladesh. Reliance project will give a tremendous Tk 5,155 crore (€532.43 million). Vessels with boost to the economic and industrial growth of draught of up to 11 metres will be able to berth at Bangladesh and will enhance the energy security of the seaport at high tide once the first phase of the country with clean, green and reliable LNG- dredging is completed by 2020. The second and based power, the statement added. third phases are likely to end by 2022, facilitating the BPDB, Summit sign power purchase deal (The entry of ships Financial Express) The state-run Bangladesh Power with draught Development Board (BPDB) signed a deal to of up to 14 purchase around 300 megawatt (MW) of electricity metres to the for 15 years from Summit Gazipur II Power Ltd, a seaport in subsidiary of Summit Group. The furnace oil-fired Patuakhali. power plant is expected to be commissioned by mid- The 2018. The BPDB would purchase the electricity at a Chittagong levelised tariff rate of US cents 10.60 per unit (1 port, the country's biggest seaport, can now allow kilowatt-hour). The Power Division selected the berthing of ships with draught of up to 9.5 metres at contractor to build the power plant under the high tide while vessels with draught of up to 7-8 'Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special metres can enter Mongla port. Of the 19 Provision) Act 2010' bypassing the tendering components of the Payra port project, capital

5 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 dredging is the lead one. As per a government cows or one bull are eligible for using the card, solely estimate, development of all the components will being issued by Bank Asia, availing a maximum of Tk require $16 billion (Tk 125,000 crore). 20,000 as loan for an interest rate of 9 percent. Some 3,100 farmers have already availed the facility CPA signs contract with Dutch firm - Netherlands- using the “A-card” or agriculture-card. Bank Asia in based company to carry out feasibility study on association with the USAID, Dhaka Ahsania Mission floating harbour (The Financial Express) The (DAM), CARE Bangladesh and mPower initiated the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) signed a contract move, the with Netherlands-based consultancy firm Public first in the Domain Architecten to conduct techno-economic world. The feasibility study on a floating harbour at the port's debit card outer anchorage. CPA chairman Rear Admiral M has been Khaled Iqbal and Pieter Figdor signed the contract at introduced the CPA board room on behalf of their respective under a sides. As per the contract, the Dutch consultancy project firm will conduct feasibility study on the floating named “AESA” with funds from USAID. Such harbour within six months from now at a cost of US$ initiatives will bring unbanked farmers into the 972, 478. The port authority invited expression of formal financial sector, making the farm sector more interest (EOI) on January 02, 2017. As many as 24 vibrant. The government is now disbursing Tk international firms submitted their EOI by February 55,000 crore to people from different walks of life 22 and the authority finally shortlisted five under its social safety net programmes. The card can international firms. They were Public Domain be used to disburse the funds. Architecten of Netherlands, WTM Engineers International GmbH Hamburg, Yooshin Engineering Country's first biotech rice released (The Daily Star) Corporation, South Korea, D' APPOLONIA S.p.a, Italy Scientists in Bangladesh have developed the and SMEC International Pvt Ltd, Australia. country's first biotech rice variety giving farmers an answer to the difficulties they face in harvesting the staple with Agriculture/Fisheries machines. Stems of BRRIdhan-86, Vermi-compost fertiliser gaining popularity at the variety that Raninagar UZ (The Financial Express) Application of got release vermi-compost fertiliser is increasing in Raninagar approval are upazila of the district as farmers are getting good strong and stout yield using it to produce crops both in Robi and and easy to reap by mechanical harvesters. This will Kharif seasons. The fertiliser is produced in a low- come handy to farm owners, who have dearth of lying place with earth warm and cow dung round the labourers and also find it difficult to use harvesters. year. It is cheap and easy to be produced. So it saves The new variety, with half a tonne of extra yield production cost also. According to the Department potential per hectare over the country's most of Agriculture Extension (DAE) office sources, produced rice variety BRRIdhan-28, is derived from thousands of peasants of the upazila have started Iranian rice variety Niamat through application of a applying the organic fertiliser on their cropland. The biotech tool called anther culture. Another culture, fertiliser reduces three-time production cost to applied for the first time in rice science in grow T-Aman, Boro and other crops. Bangladesh, is a biotech plant culturing technique where immature pollens are made to divide and Agri-cards helping farmers buy inputs (The Daily grow into tissues either on solid and liquid medium. Star) A specially designed debit card is now helping The scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research farmers avoid bank queues for loans and the hassles Institute (BRRI) have also developed a new rice of carrying cash to buy agro-inputs, such as seeds, variety with the highest ever zinc (27.6 mg/kg) fertilisers, pesticides and equipment. Farmers content. BRRIdhan-84 also got approval along with owning at least 50 decimals of land or two dairy three more new rice varieties yesterday.

6 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018

Bangladesh third highest in vegetable growth (The IT industry to see fivefold growth by 2025 (The Financial Express) Bangladesh now grows 16.04 Daily Star) The country's IT industry would generate million (160.42 lakh) tonnes of vegetables annually revenue worth around $1.1 billion this year and it in the country, according to sources at the has a fivefold growth prospect to reach around $4.8 agriculture ministry. During the three-day National billion by 2025. The information was revealed in the Vegetable Fair, ministry officials said, country's whitepaper titled “Betting on the future-the weather and Bangladesh IT/ITES industry is poised for growth”, soil conditions prepared by the Everest Group with the cooperation are favourable of US based Boston Consulting Group. The report for growing was made through interviewing local companies vegetables and government stakeholders. The government is round the year. taking preparation to cope with the emergence of Over 16.2 the fourth industrial revolution, State Minister for million farmers cultivate 156 types of vegetables ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said at the launch of the across the country. Terming the production growth report. The IT sector is developing fast in the in vegetables as a 'silent revolution', they added that technologically advanced countries and Bangladesh Bangladesh also exports vegetables to over 50 is taking preparation to cope with it, the state countries across the globe, fetching Tk. 7.0 billion minister said. (700 crore) annually. Statistics show that vegetables' LafargeHolcim launches Geocycle (The Financial production has increased five-fold since Express) LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Limited (LHBL) Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Currently launched Geocycle, a waste management solution, Bangladesh ranks third among the countries which to strengthen its sustainable waste management posted highest growths in vegetable production in system in its Chhatak plant. Deputy Minister for recent years. environment and forest Abdullah Al Islam Jacob attended the launching ceremony. Geocycle Other news provides waste management solution for industrial units. Through the Geocycle, a company can safely Foreign firms must get BIDA approval for fund utilise by-products both as a raw material transfer (The New Age) Bangladesh Bank made it replacement and an alternative source of fuel in the mandatory for foreign enterprises to get approval cement-making process. LafargeHolcim is managing from Bangladesh Investment Development 900 tonnes of industrial waste in its Chhatak plant. Authority for transferring funds from the country. The waste management system will be more To this end, the central bank on the day issued a efficient after launching of Geocycle. Geocycle is circular aligning the guidelines on Foreign Exchange currently offered in 50 countries all over the world Transactions-2009 with the Bangladesh Investment under LafargeHolcim Group. Development Authority (BIDA) Act, 2016. Under the Dhaka, Phnom Penh sign 10 instruments (The New existing provision of Foreign Exchange Transections- Age) Bangladesh and Cambodia signed 10 2009, there was no requirement to get approval instruments, including one agreement and nine from the Bangladesh Bank or the now abolished memorandums of understanding, aiming to Board of Investment by the foreign companies for enhance cooperation in various fields, including remittance of royalty, technical knowhow or tourism, agriculture, civil aviation, ICT and technical technical assistance and operational service fees. education between the two countries. The The BB circular issued however, repealed the instruments were signed after the official bilateral paragraph 25 and 26 of the chapter 10, Volume-1. talks between Bangladesh and Cambodia held at Taking approval from the BIDA was made Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, the capital of mandatory for the enterprises for payment of Cambodia. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina led the royalty, fees for technical knowledge or technical Bangladesh side at the talks, while her Cambodian assistance and franchise fees to foreign persons or counterpart Hun Sen led his home side. The institutions in accordance. agreement signed is on cooperation between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce

7 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 and Industry and the Cambodian Chamber of $331 million, furniture at $19 million, and non- Commerce. The MoUs are on cooperation in the leather footwear at $108 million. field of tourism, aquaculture and fisheries, ICT and Dhaka WASA signs deal with Netherlands Vitens related industry, MoU on cooperation between the International (The Financial Express) Dhaka WASA governments of Bangladesh and Cambodia over signed a contract on 'Water Operators Partnership- labour and vocational training. A memorandum of 2 (WOP-2) with Netherlands' Vitens Evides understanding on cooperation and collaboration on International. Dhaka WASA Managing Director Engr preserving war history, war monuments and war Taqsem A Khan and Asia Manager of Vitens Evides relics, MoU on the modalities for Institutional Folkert de Jager signed the deal on behalf of their Cooperation Under the Joint Trade Council, MoU on respective organisations. Local Government Division cooperation and collaboration on matters related to (LGD) Secretary Abdul Malek was present as the implementation of SDGs were also signed. Besides, chief guest while Netherlands Ambassador in MoUs were inked on academic cooperation Bangladesh LM Cuelenaere and LGD additional between Bangladesh Institute of International and secretary Strategic Studies and the International Relations Nasrin Akhter Institute of Cambodia as well as on Institutional were special Cooperation on promotion of Investment between guests at the Bangladesh Investment Authority and the Council signing for the Development of Cambodia. ceremony. In Export earnings shoot up by 6.86% in last five a bid to build months (Dhaka Tribune) Bangladesh’s export capacity of earnings rose by 6.86% to $14.56 billion in the first DWASA's five months of the current fiscal year, with the RMG recently introduced District Meter Area (DMA) sector being the largest contributor to this growth. technology for pressurised water supply, 'automatic Industry insiders attributed the increase in export deep tube-well operation with SCADA system and earnings to initiatives undertaken to improve management of non-revenue water or system loss workers’ safety standards in garment factories. They for next four years in DMA covered zones of Dhaka said the measures appreciably helped restore WASA. foreign buyers’ Hasina opens software park (The Daily Star) Prime confidence in Minister Sheikh Hasina opened Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh as a Software Technology Park in and expressed sourcing hope that ICT would be the biggest export earning destination. The sector for Bangladesh in the near future. She also latest data of the reiterated that the government would establish a hi- Export Promotion tech park in each district to help flourish the ICT Bureau (EPB) sector and generate employment. ICT will soon be shows that between July and November of Fiscal added to the list of the country's exportable Year 2017-18, Bangladesh earned $14.56 billion, products, Hasina said. The premier said the while the amount was $13.62 billion in the government started digitisation in every field after corresponding period last fiscal year. During this announcing the Digital Bangladesh vision in 2009, period, the RMG sector, which is considered the and the software park is a part of the initiative. "I lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy, earned the believe that with the inauguration of the park, we've country $11.96 billion, 7.46% up compared to crossed another step towards building Bangladesh $11.13 billion in the same period last year. Knitwear as a science and knowledge-based modern products earned $6.24 billion, a 10.86% rise, and country." woven garment products earned $5.71 billion, a 4% rise, compared to $5.50 billion in the corresponding World Bank approves $245m to strengthen safety period last year. Export earnings from frozen and net programmes (The New Age) The World Bank live fish stood at $272 million, agricultural products has approved an additional $245 million in loans to at $260 million, pharmaceuticals at $43 million, jute improve equity, efficiency and transparency of and jute products at $451 million, home textiles at major safety net programmes in Bangladesh. The 8 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018 global lending agency’s total commitment stands at for 10,258 patents, 25,151 designs and 2,39,264 $745 million including this additional financing to trademarks between 1972 and December 2017. the ongoing project on Safety Net Systems for the Among those applications, the DPDT gave Poorest. The project will close on June 30, 2019. The registrations for 5,642 patents, 15,397 designs and fund will benefit the country’s nine million poorest 53,525 trademarks. households through a number of safety net Bangladesh ahead of neighbours in inclusive programmes the government is implementing. The development (The Financial Express) Bangladesh is credit is from the International Development ahead of its neighbours in inclusive-development Association, the WB’s concessional lending arm. The rankings by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for credits are interest-free and repayable in 38 years, 2018 that placed the country in 34th position among including a six-year grace period, and carry a service emerging economies. Among the 74 emerging charge of 0.75 per cent. WB operations manager economies of the world, Bangladesh attained the Rajashree Paralkar said Bangladesh spent around 34th position in the Inclusive Development Index $3.5 billion on social protection, which is about 1.4 (IDI) 2018 of the WEF as it maintained impressive per cent of its gross domestic product, in the last progress on different economic indicators. In the fiscal year of 2016-17. The government will continue index, India to reduce poverty and ensure effective use of public ranked 62nd, resources by effectively identifying poor households Pakistan 52nd and administering the safety net programmes. The and Sri Lanka project is helping build common platforms for 40th. improved beneficiary targeting, information Compared to management, and digital payment. last year's Bangladesh, Turkey sign two MoUs (The Financial standing, Express) Bangladesh and Turkey have signed two Bangladesh advanced two notches to the 34th from Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) one previous 36th position, maintaining an overall score between Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation, of 3.98 based on a 1-7 scale where 1 indicates worst Bangladesh and Ministry of Science, Industry and and 7 best. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has better Technology, Small and Medium Enterprises performed in last five years as it scored 4.55 in the Development Organization. Another MoU was IDI 2018, the WEF report said. In the IDI 2018, signed between Bangladesh Standards and Testing Bangladesh secured 64th position in terms of Gross Institution (BSTI) and Turkish Standards Institution Domestic Product (GDP) per capita among the (TSI). During the ceremony, Prime Minister Hasina emerging 74 economies in the world. said they had a very fruitful discussion with the Dhaka, Jakarta sign five instruments (The Financial Turkish Prime Minister on bilateral and international Express) Bangladesh and Indonesia signed five issues of common interests. "We have reiterated instruments for boosting cooperation in different our commitment to work closely and support each sectors including trade, diplomacy, fishing and other on bilateral and international issues of mutual energy between the two countries. The two concern, including the issue of forcibly displaced countries signed the joint ministerial statement on Rohingya people from Myanmar," she said. The launching of the negotiation for Bangladesh- Prime Minister said the two countries agreed to Indonesia preferential trade agreement, the continue to work together for socioeconomic Establishment of Foreign Office Consultations, the development and mutual interests. cooperation to combat illegal, unreported and Online service open for registration of patents, unregulated fishing and to promote sustainable designs, trademarks (Dhaka Tribune) The Industries fisheries governance, the development of the Ministry unveiled the online service for registration integrated gas infrastructure and independent of patents, designs and trademarks alongside other power producer and the letter of intent between services, including intellectual properties. Industries Petro Bangla and Partamina on sales and purchase Minister Amir Hossain Amu inaugurated the online of LNG Under G2G. service of the Department of Patents, Design and Trademarks (DPDT). The DPDT received applications

9 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018

Events

Bangladesh Fashionology Summit is going to be held on the 12th February 2018 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Summit will cover a wide range of topics that are shaping the future of the apparel industry. The ideas and discussions will be brought closer to reality by an exhibition in parallel hosting a diverse range of forward thinking exhibitors ranging from promising startups to established industry leaders. For details, please visit: http://bangladeshfashionologysummit.com Bangladesh Innovation & Development BIID Expo & Green Summit is going to be held from the 1st of March until the 4th of March 2018 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The International Innovation & Development Expo and Dialogue is focused on Basement of Intelligent Industrialization, which emphases on Sustainable Infrastructure and Green Building Construction, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Environment Protection, Green Financing and Safety together. For details, please visit: https://10times.com/biid-expo-green-summit Bangladesh Water Expo is going to be held from the 15th of March until the 17th of March 2018 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event will showcase advance innovations, Technologies, Products, Equipment and services from all industrial segments. For details, please visit: https://10times.com/bangladesh-water-expo International Poultry & Livestock Bangladesh Expo is going to be held from the 21st of March until the 24th of March 2018 at the International Convention City in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The conference will cover areas like Poultry, Dairy, Livestock & Aquaculture based products and service industry. For details, please visit: https://10times.com/livestock-bangladesh-expo

Tenders Invitation for International Tender Bangladesh Power Development Board under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a tender for Lot-1: Relay for Various Distribution sub-station with Relay Configuration software and Relay Communication Cable. Lot-2: Relay: Relay for Various Distribution sub-station with Relay Configuration software and Relay Communication Cable & Lot-3: Relay for Various Distribution sub-station with Relay Configuration software and Relay Communication Cable. Tender issued on 11 January 2018, closing on 5 March 2018 at 11:00am BST. For details, please contact: Sayeed Akram Ullah, Director, Directorate of Purchase, BPDB, Dhaka, WAPDA Building (9th floor), Motijheel C/A, Dhaka, Phone: +88029550532, 7120089. Fax: 57164343.

Invitation for International Tender Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation under Ministry of Industries issued a tender for Procurement of Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Machinery & Equipment for LED light (CKD) Assembling Plant in ETL on Turnkey Basis. Tender issued on 21 January 2018, closing on 6 March 2018 at 12:00pm BST. For details, please contact: Abdul Hadi, Project Director, LED light (CKD) Assembling Plant in ETL, 374, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh. Phone: +88029115175-76. Fax: +88029117766. Email: [email protected]

Invitation for International Tender Bangladesh Power Development Board under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a tender for Procurement of Major Overhauling Spares for GT Unit- 3 of Fenchuganj CCPP, BDPB, Fenchuganj, , Bangladesh. Tender issued on 21 January 2018, closing on 12 March 2018 at 11:00am BST. For details, please contact: Sayeed Akram Ullah, Director, Directorate

10 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018

of Purchase, BPDB, Dhaka, WAPDA Building (9th floor), Motijheel C/A, Dhaka, Phone: +88029550532. Fax: 57164343.

Invitation for International Tender Bangladesh Power Development Board under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a tender for Procurement of Compressor Cleaning Agent (ZOK 27 Concentrate) of SGT5-2000E Gas Turbine for Shikalbaha 150MW peaking Power Plant, BPDB, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Tender issued on 24 January 2018, closing on 20 March 2018 at 11:30am BST. For details, please contact: Sayeed Akram Ullah, Director, Directorate of Purchase, BPDB, Dhaka, WAPDA Building (9th floor), Motijheel C/A, Dhaka, Phone: +88029550532. Fax: 57164343.

Please remain updated on these and future tenders at the following website: http://www.cptu.gov.bd/Notices.aspx

More information

The Embassy always welcomes your comments on, and suggestions for the Newsflash. We also encourage interested Dutch and Bangladeshi companies to place an article or message in our newsflash. For more information please contact our economic department at the Embassy in Dhaka through email [email protected], or by phone11 (00882) 9842715-18 Newsflash Dec 2017 & Jan 2018