The Colours of Bangladesh
The Embassy of Bangladesh Newsletter of the Embassy of Bangladesh, Stockholm Stockholm Volume VI| Issue I | Special Edition 2012
Inside this Issue: Perspective...... : 02 News Items...... : 16 Current Affairs...... : 03 Business, Economy, Trade & Investment...... : 20 Foreign Affairs...... : 04 Embassy Activities...... : 22 Articles...... : 05 Important Links...... : 24
Perspective
F i r s t W o r d We are happy to bring out this special edition of Ka- prospects and opportunities in its sectors of tourism; leidoscope on the occasion of the 41st Independence trade and investment, IT, and industry like ship building, and National Day of Bangladesh (26 March 2012). furniture, power, pharmaceuticals, forestry based ones, The issue also covers two other days of national im- and so on. portance-the Victory Day (16 December) and the Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day The news items that we regularly bring out in Kaleido- (21 February). All these days marking singular scope have also been included in this issue which pro- achievements of the Nation gave us also the opportu- vide a glimpse of increasing economic activities of Bang- nity of highlighting progress and potentials of eco- ladesh and corroborate to the country’s positive stories. nomically and technologically advancing Bangladesh in its four decades of independence. Special articles I request the readers to have a look at the articles and contained in this issue are presenting and explaining news to see a growing Bangladesh. that picture of Bangladesh-a Bangladesh displaying confidence in its progress, in its international dealings A.F.M. Gousal Azam Sarker and performance, and Bangladesh offering great Ambassador & Chief Editor
E d i t o r ’ s N o t e
I take this opportunity to greet the readers on the Bangladesh has the possibility to triple its already big occasion of the Independence and National Day of RMG export and terms Bangladesh as ‘next China’ in Bangladesh, the 26th March 2012. We are proud to the sector. ICT sector is also seen as a future growth share with you the news of Bangladesh’s topping in sector by many foreign entrants. Bangladesh recently South Asia in Gender Equality Index. Although we participated in ICT fairs in Germany and Sweden and still have a long way to go, Bangladesh has been de- the Bangladeshi companies were able to attract a large vising and placing right steps and tools towards a number of visitors who were found keen to establish more equal society. As a result, poverty rate also has business relations with them upon learning about the been dropping at a significant rate. To address the strength and advantages of the sector in Bangladesh. poverty from a different angle, Bangladesh recently One mobile application, developed for online agro trad- co-hosted world’s first global marketing summit with ing in Bangladesh, won World Communication Award marketing guru Dr. Philip Kotler. The summit was 2011. To keep pace with the business development, aimed at finding development solutions for poverty Bangladesh is embarking on every possible way of pro- reduction from the market point of view rather than ducing electricity and is in the process of introducing from the view of development economists ensure power plants based on waste, wind, solar power, and beneficial involvement of private businesses in devel- nuclear energy apart from the other conventional opment activities. The second summit will also be sources. With these happening, and with consecutive hosted by Bangladesh before making round to other stable sovereign rating from S&P and Moddy’s, foreign parts of the world. investors are now looking more closely to Bangladesh market than ever before. We hope you will not miss out We have put forward in this magazine some of many either. interesting and positive developments in Bangladesh. A recent release of a McKinsey study shows that Khandker Masudul Alam, Counsellor Current Affairs
Prime Minister urges rich nations to help LDCs achieve MDGs
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while speaking at a on export earnings, investment, remittance and ODA panel discussion on 'Empowering women to Lead' for the LDCs. She narrated Bangladesh's impressive in Perth on 27 October success in women empowerment. 2011, chaired by Austra- lian Prime Minister, urged During her visit to Australia, Sheikh the rich nations to help Hasina attended the CHOGM (the poor countries in achiev- Commonwealth Heads of Govern- ing their MDGs, including ment Meeting) and in the sidelines, the objective of women bilaterally met, among others, the empowerment. In her de- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of liberations, focused on climate change, food security, Singapore, President Rajapakshe of Sri Lanka, and and the current economic melt-down and its global then President Ahmed Nasheed of Maldives. Trade impact, especially on LDCs, she regretted that the and investments cooperation figured prominently in global recession had had a particularly crippling effect the bilaterals.
Prime Minister for combined efforts to eliminate poverty and terrorism
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for com- The premier noted that some progress has been bined efforts to eliminate poverty made in reducing the Sensitive and terrorism, the two most dan- Lists of traded goods recently, but gerous malaises in South Asia, to many of the exportable goods still ensure growth and development of remained outside the ambit of the the region. "We have to cooperate SAFTA agreement. She particu- and exert combined efforts to larly emphasized on the need for eliminate both from our region to better connectivity in the region protect our social fabrics, our and that not only for growth and development," she said intra-SAARC trade but also for in her speech at the inaugural ses- wider inter-regional trade and sion of the 17th SAARC summit transportation. She also suggested held in the Maldives on 10 No- freer movement of labour to meet vember 2011. the needs of individual member countries, but under strong Referring to the gloomy picture of government supervision to the intra-SAARC trade, the Prime remove labour exploitation and Minister said “Although trade in goods under control the costs of migration. On the critical SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) has crossed issue of climate change, she suggested operationalisa- the billion dollar mark, it is well below its potential”. tions of the 'Convention on Cooperation on She developed that intra-regional trade was around Environment', and the four specific initiatives-on 5% of Bangladesh's total trade as against 25-35% in South Asian Monsoon, Mountain, Marine, and nearby regional blocs. Coastal Zones. Make Medicare affordable: Bangladesh PM tells WHS in Berlin
While delivering the keynote immense scope to develop collaboration among phar- address at the opening session maceutical companies across the globe to enhance of the four-day World Health quality and scale up production and distribution of Summit held in Berlin on 23 affordable drugs. She stressed the need for extending October 2011, the Prime Min- the flexibilities accorded to the LDCs within the exist- ister Sheikh Hasina has urged ing Intellectual Property Regime on pharmaceutical the world community to de- products beyond 2015. She said, as the world concen- velop global and regional part- trates on cutting-age technology and high-end health nership in health technology products, simple and cost-effective interventions like to ensure greater access to medicine at affordable immunization must not be forgotten as they can help prices. Bangladesh was specially invited to the summit reduce morbidity and disease burden. About the Non- to showcase her success in rapidly improving primary Communicable Diseases (NCD), she said NCDs cause healthcare and reducing child and maternal mortality more mortality and morbidity these days and require rate. The Bangladesh Prime Minister said, there was greater attention. Foreign Affairs
Verdict in favour of Bangladesh on maritime delimitation between Bangladesh & Myanmar
ITLOS (Based in Hamburg, more positive and constructive after the Germany) awarded its verdict landmark verdict on maritime boundary on 14 March 2012 regarding issue. The verdict would now the arbitration on maritime allow Bangladesh to explore and con- delimitation between Bangla- duct economic resources and activities desh and Myanmar. The in the offshore areas concerned. ac- verdict upheld Bangladesh's cording to the verdict 200-nautical-mile claim. Bangladesh Foreign exclusive economic zone and territorial Minister Dr Dipu Moni, MP rights in the Bay of Bengal of presented the claim and suc- Bangladesh along with opening to the cessfully defended it. The Foreign Minister hoped extended continental shelf have been established. that the bilateral relations with Myanmar would be
Bangladesh and UNCTAD to address imbalances in trade and development
Bangladesh Foreign Min- the imperative to correct imbalances in trade ister and the Secretary and development in a meeting which was held on General of the United 29 February 2012 in Dhaka. During the meeting, Nations Conference on the Foreign Minister requested UNCTAD to Trade and Development accord greater focus to LDC specific issues (UNCTAD) Dr. Supachai such as market access, productive capacity, Panitchpakdi agreed on infrastructure, employment generation and technology transfer. Assuring all cooperation, the expressed the opinion that other countries could Secretary General appreciated Bangladesh's impressive benefit from the experience of Bangladesh. achievements in attaining the development goals and
US Assistant Secretary visits Bangladesh
The US Assistant Secretary of State Robert O. Blake cooperation. Mr. Blake appreciated the growing called on the Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu capacity of Bangladesh in offering opportunities and Moni, MP at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 16 potentials for the development of the country as February 2012 during his visit in Bangladesh. During well as to contributing to the positive changes in the meeting, a host of issues of mutual interest between the region's economy- with progress in physical the US and Bangladesh were discussed. The Foreign connectivity and improved relations of Bangladesh Minister stressed on greater trade and investment with its neighbours.
Poverty rate drops in Bangladesh
According to the Household Income and Expendi- area stood at 35.2% in ture Survey (HIES) by Bangladesh Bureau of Statis- 2010 against 43.8% in tics (BBS) released on 19 March 2012, Bangladesh's 2005, while in the ur- poverty rate has dropped to 31.5%, an 8.5% point ban area it was 21.3% in drop in the last five years since 2005. The survey con- 2010 against 28.4% five ducted from February 2010 to January 2011 and the years back, the report whole country. The upper poverty line in the rural revealed.
Articles
Bangladesh: an idyllic destination for Eco-tourism
For those who would be fond of a destination for eco- Surprisingly, there are diverse eco-systems and all 6 seasons tourism, Bangladesh is truly hard to hammer. For a small within Bangladesh. In addition, Cox’s Bazaar beach, there country in South Asia that measures only 147,570 square are jungles and forests with a wide variety of flora and fauna. kilometres, there is definitely a lot to see, enjoy and do here. Some of forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts are referred to as cloud forests because of the moisture of the mists that linger Bangladesh’s language and independence had been gained among the trees in some parts. The forests in Bandarban after a huge bloodshed in 1952 and 1971. Located between India to the north and the west and Myanmar to a small part of the southeast, Bangladesh is one of the most beautiful and prosperous South Asian countries. There are tropical beach resorts on the Bay of Bengal coast of the country for sun vacationers but superlatively the main attraction of Bangladesh should be inarguably the eco-tourism options on offer. For example, there is a wider variety of animals, birds, forests, mountains and aquatic resources in Bangla- desh alone than in some other countries of South Asia. are going to experience a cable car set up so that tourists be warned that the locals like their tea quite strong. Tours can observe the plant and animal life at the treetop levels. in the valleys of Sylhet will often be spent thrilling among For the more adventurous types, there is a place where one the numerous tea plantations. Rajshahi is a paradise for can swing from tree to tree using a network of rope attach- mango orchards. Tourists would definitely hesitate to ments. There are also dry forests in some parts of Chit- leave such vegetations with millions of sweet mangoes. tagong. Quite extreme changes in all 6 seasons can be ob- Most tourists will fly into the capital city of Dhaka. Al- served even within 1/2 months of interval. Some parts of the though there is some nice ancient architectures to see in country have canal systems similar to those found in the Dhaka, it is one of the nicer places to stay in Bangladesh. Amazon and a few rivers offer excellent white water rafting. It is a city of mosques and recently some international 5-
star hotels have sprung up. One can use Dhaka as a base In addition to the many differ- for many day trips to the various mountains, historic ent birds that can be sighted, places and beaches. Travelers can also fly into Chittagong there is a wide number of other which is a town in the south part of the country and is full exotic wildlife including Royal of greeneries. This is a much quieter region and close to Bengal tigers, monkeys, bats, many of the southern resorts. One option that many trav- deers and reptiles that can be elers take is to rent a vehicle and tour the country on their seen during one of the many own. The roads of Bangladesh are more or less good. If available nature tours in renting a vehicle, a 4×4 is definitely recommended. Get Sundarbans, the world largest help from a travel agency to chart out your Bangladesh mangrove forest and a World vacation. Heritage Site. Every year, there Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Faculty Member, are sea turtles and oysters that National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation come to certain beaches to nest and this event attracts many nature lovers. The wildlife in Bangladesh is not only rich on land or the air but also in the Bay of Bengal and in its mighty rivers. For scuba divers, Saint Martin’s island may offer excellent diving opportunities and they would be quite different from the waters in the Carib- bean.
Tea and mangoes are some of the mentionable exports for Bangladesh. For tea lovers, this is the place to sample some of the best in the world although the foreign visitors should
Prospect of Furniture of Bangladesh in Export Market
Furniture is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of ity of absorbing even unskilled labors. Moreover, the fur- Bangladesh constituting approximately 85,000 enterprises niture manufacturers and carpenters have generations of and carpentry households all over the country. The annual experience in furniture making with specialization in hand growth in terms of turn- curving simultaneously with production facili- over is around 19% per ties with modern technology. annum. This industry is currently employing about The export earning of the furniture sector 3 million people directly. It during 2009-10 was USD 3.54 million and is one of the most labor contribution to GDP was 0.29% during the intensive industries in same period. It has not been long since Bangla- Bangladesh, having capabil- desh started exploring the export market, but within a very short span of time local manufacturers have started exporting to the USA, Japan, European countries, various provinces in India and other South East Asian coun- tries. From their experience in different fairs in UK, Japan, and Indonesia the industry has realized that it is significantly competitive in the export market. And at this point it is im- perative that Bangladesh really looks into facilitating furniture export which will meet the increasing need for export diver- sification and lead to significant economic growth.
In the export market, the average export growth of the furni- ture industry has been slightly above 20% annually. However we must take into account of the fact that the average in- cludes matured exporting countries who have been exporting through learning from the example of Vietnam and by for over 20-30 years and hence the growth rate is biased to- 2014 we can facilitate direct export worth at least USD 32- wards these slow growing exporting countries. China and 64 million per year. This will result in an additional em- Vietnam have started export since mid 1990s and their ployment within the sector and outside the sector. It is growth rate has been over 100% annually and at the initial very pertinent to mention that product migration is a natu- few years they were expanding at around 200% a year. Con- ral phenomenon and creates space continuously for the sidering the experience of China and Vietnam we have un- fittest due to uncompetitive price and quality. As a work- dertaken an aggressive strategy for the next 4-5 years and force surplus country, Bangladesh is capable enough to expect to maintain 100% growth rate as our initial export capture the space which is being created in labour inten- volume is small. Export statistics of Bangladesh shows that sive sector like Furniture due to economic escalation of in the period of 2007-2009 the export revenue has had more the giants of this sector. Recently the ship building than doubled. So, we will be able to maintain this growth industry has been growing in Bangladesh which will also
Basic Facts of Bangladesh
Area : 147,570 sq km
Population : Around 142.32 m, (2011-12) of which 15-64 years: 61.1%
Median Age : total: 23.3 years (male: 22.7 years, female: 23.7 years) (2011 est.)
Language : Bangla-Official Language, English-Second language and widely spoken
Natural Resources : Natural gas, limestone, hard rock, coal, lignite, silica, sand, white clay, etc.
Human Resources : A substantial manpower reserve, trained skilled & semi-skilled engineers, techni- cians, teachers, physicians, economists, accountants, administrative and manage- rial personnel, abundance of low cost, easily trainable and adaptable, hard work- ing, intelligent and youthful labor force, many working in the sectors of agricul- ture, construction, textiles & garments, shipbuilding & breaking, hospitality etc.
Labor forces : 60.3 million (Male: 37.5 m, Female: 22.8 m), MOFA
Sectoral distribution of Labour : Agriculture: 62.3% force Industry: 7.6% Others: 30.1%
Economically active human : 53.7 m (according to Monitoring on Employment Survey, 30 May 2011) resources (15 years +) 49.5 m (according to Labor Force Survey, 30 May 2011)
GDP real Growth (%) : 6.7% (FY 2010-11 est.)
GDP (PPP) : US $282.5 billion (2011 est.) Continued…. require huge supply of furniture and this can be in the tional organization has taken steps to prepare a report form of deemed export. With the present momentum, entre- highlighting the problems, prospects and what action to preneurs believe that Bangladesh could easily export USD be done to boost up export in cooperation with Bangla- 4.00 billion worth of ships, which is 1% of present global desh Furniture Industries Owners Association, Bangla- demand of almost USD 400 billion, by 2014. Bangladesh desh Furniture Exporters Association and Katalyst. In this shipbuilding companies have already secured orders worth continuum, an export oriented furniture and allied prod- USD1.00 billion against their investment of $600 million. In ucts Exposition namely Bangladesh Furniture and Interior an average ship usually USD 0.15-0.20% of the cost goes into Decor Expo-2012 will be organized in April 26-28 in furniture and therefore we are looking at an existing market Dhaka at Hotel Ruposhi Bangla, which will be hosted by of over USD 25 million dollar and a potential deemed export EPB and this will be regular event in the same time in market of around USD 80 million annually by 2014. So, this Bangladesh. This will be the first ever exposition of this could be another potential area of export market expansion type in Bangladesh. Leading furniture manufacturers along for Bangladesh. with jute diversified product producers and handicrafts manufacturers will be participating in this Exposition. The The strength of Bangladeshi furniture industry in export mar- event will provide opportunity for visitors to witness high ket is the availability of high skilled carpenters for manufac- quality furniture, accessories, soft furnishing and decora- turing of antique design, Victorian style curved furniture, tive pieces, while show casing products made of high class production of which is solely dependent on human imagina- technology, blended with sophisticated hand curving, tion and crafting capability. At the same time, with the usage hand weaving and creativity of artisans and craftsmen. of modern precision machineries, low-cost utility services, Already foreign buyers have shown keen interest in furni- well-connected port facilities and support from government, ture of Bangladesh, which has become evident from com- Bangladesh furniture industry can offer the best possible munication with buyers in an Expo Promotion mission quality furniture at a very competitive price. sent by EPB very recently. Leading furniture importers of India and Middle East are now aware of of the prospect of In order to promote export of furniture from Bangladesh the the furniture manufactured here in Bangladesh and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) as country’s export promo- want to visit the exposition for further understanding.
Basic Facts of Bangladesh
GDP (current market price) : US $110 billion (FY 2010-11, est.) Sectoral Share of GDP (in percent) : Agriculture 18.4%, Industry 28.6% and Services 53% (2011 est.) GDP Per Capita (ppp) : US $1,700 (2011 est.)
Investment contribution (%) : Public sector: 19.29%, Private Sector: 80.71% (FY 2008-09) Exports : USD 22.9 billion (BB, FY 2010-11)
Import : USD 30.3billion (BB, FY 2010-11)
Principal Industries : Textiles, readymade garments, jute & jute goods, leather and leather gods, tea, sugar, paper, cement, fertilizer, fish processing, pharmaceuticals, ce- ramics and porcelains, ship building, ship breaking, IT & ITES, chemical industries, light engineering, bi-cycle, home appliances (TV, freeze etc.), handicrafts, food processing, truck & bus assembling, etc.
Major Exportable Items : RMG, Textile, home textile, jute & jute goods, frozen food, leather & leather goods, agricultural products, ceramic products, pharmaceuticals, ICT products, light engineering, ships, battery, electronics items, jewel- lery, building, bi-cycle, etc.
Principal Imports : Capital machineries, petroleum, raw cotton, yarn & fabrics, edible oil, fertilizer, clinker, iron & steel, base metals, chemicals & chemical prod- ucts, automobiles, paper & pulp, milk products, electronics, automobiles, etc. Assistance from government, especially from Ministry of Bangladesh as exporting country and the country of the Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs is being provided export destination to a great extent. to organize this Exposition. Through Embassies of Bangla- desh in different countries, the prospect of this booming More information on furniture industry, export potentials industry can be reached more buyers and would encourage and the upcoming exposition is available in the website participation of these buyers in the exposition which will www.bfidexpo.com provide opportunity in the area of mutual benefit for both Article from: Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh
Tourism Potentials in Bangladesh
Tourism in Bangladesh is an industry of immense poten- tials. In recent years, this industry has emerged as a force having economic, social and cultural impact across the country. Bangladesh is bestowed with bounty of nature and immense beauty. Its captivating natural beauties attracted many travellers from far and wide through the ages. The country is also heir to a rich cultural legacy. In two thousand and more years of its chequered history, many illustrious dynasties of kings and Sultan have rules and disappeared leaving their marks in the shape of mag- nificent cities and monuments, the desolate ruins that are still seat of lost dynasties (Buddhist) etc. Paharapur located in significantly visible in many place throughout the country. Naogaon district is the most important and the widely known monastery has been excavated to a large portion. Archeology and Architecture The 8th century AD archaeological finds cover Bangladesh is a combination of verdant forests, riverine approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire countryside, and long stretches of sun-bathed beaches, establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring fearsome wilds, meandering rivers and venerable shrines. more than 900 ft and from 12 ft to 15 ft in height with Bordering the mighty Bay of Bengal stands this magical elaborate gateway complex on the north, provides 45 cells tapestry in green with all the glory of its past and the splendid on the north and 44 in each of other three sides with a colours of its natural present. An open invitation to tourists total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the to relieve an age out of the history books as you stroll pyramidal cruciform temple of Paharpur profoundly through the relics of Bangladesh's archaeological sites. influenced some other temples in Southeast Asia, Among the various archaeological sites and monuments the especially Myanmar and Java. A site museum houses Buddhist relics are very significant, which are Paharpur- the the representative collection of objectives recovered from single largest Buddhist Monastery in south of the Himalayas, the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved Mahasthangarh-the oldest archaeological site, Mainamati- the at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The
Bangladesh tops in South Asia in Gender Equality
Bangladesh has topped points to attain this position. Among South Asian the list of South Asia countries, India scored (37 points), Pakistan (29), and countries in achieving gen- Afghanistan (15). The report was made based on 154 der equity, according to countries computed by the GEI. The index is pre- the Gender Equity Index pared annually by Social Watch which measures the (GEI) 2012 report pub- gap between women and men in education, the econ- lished on 06 March 2012. Bangladesh gained 55 omy and political empowerment. antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaque, image Bangladesh is often called a land of mosques. It is obvious of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscrip- that with an over eighty per cent of the 140 million people tions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. It has being Muslims, there will be innumerable mosques.
also been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh boasts of having some out- However, many of the mosques are ancient and reflect the standing ancient monuments. Some of the more popular taste and savoury of the early Muslim preachers and rulers. tourists destinations are Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 AD. The Shatgombuz mosque in Bagerhat near Khulna is Sonargaon, the seat of Deva dynasty upto the 13th century, unique with its sixty domes. The Atia mosque in Tangail Ahsan Manjil, Husseni Dalan (a Shiite monument), the Sat- near Dhaka is still vibrant with its archaic designs. The gambuz mosque (seven doomed mosque built in 1680 AD) Star mosques in the capital Dhaka show the craze for and the Dhakeshwari Temple. Sonargaon, the ancient capital beautification of holy places. The huge and magnificent of this land, is not very far from the present capital. It be- national mosque – Baitul Mukarram- in the heart of holds old palaces. A folklore museum situated in the area Dhaka is an imposing architectural beauty. showcases the finest handicraft products made in this country. Nature The world's longest unbroken beach (120 km) of Cox's Bazar is situated on a clean stretch comprising of miles of sands. With its water sports and towering cliffs, this place has been aptly described as the tourist capital of Bangla- desh. Top of the list on any tourist's wildlife itinerary is a visit to the Sundarbans (world's single largest mangrove forest) to catch a rare glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, in its natural habitat. Spread over 6000sq. km this riverine delta is criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. Its dense tropical forest play home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is every game lover's and anglers ideal heaven. The Hill districts in the south eastern region
Bangladesh to build its first waste-based power plant
For the first time the run on garbage of the capital. Electricity and organic government of Bang- fertilizer will also be produced from the waste. The ladesh is going to set Italian firm Management Environment Finance SEL up a 50 megawatt was given permission to build two power plants at two power plant that will places in Dhaka, to be completed in three years. of the country commands an exotic view of natural beauty. largest deltaic formation of the world as three of the Accessible by road from the port city of Chittagong, it is a mighty rivers - the Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna - flow tranquil heaven for nature lovers. Green hills and sprawling through the landmass to reach the Bay of Bengal, making valleys are often dotted with waterfalls and small lakes. The the area ideal for both eco-tourism and riverine tourism. unique lifestyle of the tribal people adds value to the ro- The tranquil lifestyle of the inhabitants of the river-bank, mance of this paradise. With no sound and air pollution, isolated char lands, fauna and flora diversity are the prime these hilly districts can be the finest destinations for those products of the eco-tourism market in the world. wanting to get away from the time chasing modern urbanistic Tourism Prospects and Investment Opportunities life and embrace a domain of tranquility. Bangladesh today is a country at the crossroads in global market. She is moving towards the 21st century while still maintaining a link with the past. Bangladesh is a country whose sights and sounds will delight a visitor and keep him returning again and again to this land in mosaic. Bernier, a French traveler in the seventeenth century aptly described as a place that "has a hundred gates open for entrance but not one for departure." To achieve a consistent success from the tourism industry, Bangladesh has taken some commendable initiatives including creation of tourist accommodation and amuse- ment facilities. Government of Bangladesh has recog- nized tourism as an industry and framed a new National Tourism Policy in 2010 for the development of domes- tic and international tourism in Bangladesh, which un- derlines diversification of tourism products, develop- Up in the north eastern part of Bangladesh in the region of ment of eco-tourism, overseas marketing of tourism at- Sylhet, the sprawling tea gardens offer a panoramic view. It tractions and human resource development. The Industrial is like a green carpet rolled out for miles and miles. For cen- Policy of 2005 has included tourism as a thrust sector. The turies, these tea gardens have been producing tea. The pluck- government has also enacted ‘Tourism Protected Area and ing of tea leaves by thousands of women in the waist-level Exclusive Tourist Zone’ Law in 2012. This will help at- thick tea bushes itself is a spectacular view. In the midst of tract foreign investments in these ETZs. Apart from the tea garden valleys, natural waterfalls make it more scenic. these, a Tourism Board has been formed in the same year The Madhabkunda water fall is the most prominent one with with direct participation of private sector tourism stake- tens of thousands of tourists visiting it every year. Between holders. The government is committed to extend un- Sylhet and Mymensingh in the north central part, huge water flinching cooperation to the private sector for the promo- bodies dominate the landscapes which offer another oppor- tion of tourism industry in Bangladesh. To encourage the tunity for nature adventurers. Known locally as haor, these private entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, the govern- water bodies turn to safe heavens for millions of cold escap- ment has taken various initiatives including leasing out of ing migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia. Tanguar some outlets of the national tourism organization to pri- haor situated in the district of Sunamganj is known to be the vate sector on private management during the last several biggest single water body in Asia. years. Foreign investors are also most welcome to invest in this sector. The investment may be either in the form of Bangladesh is geographically at the connecting point of joint venture or on 100% foreign ownership basis. In or- South Asian region bordering with mostly India and Myan- der to encourage private and foreign investment the gov- mar and with close proximity to Bhutan and Nepal. Besides, ernment is offering various incentives. Bangladesh, with a Bangladesh is located between two geological regions- the rich history, diversified culture and impeccable natural Indo-Himalayan and the Indo-Malayan. This geographical beauty, it deserves to be visited again and again. Bangla- location of Bangladesh contributes immensely to the promo- desh is always ready to welcome tourists in this land of tion of tourism in the country. Bangladesh is one of the most virgin lush green and ancient civilization. diverse nations in the region having much potential for tour- ism development. The country also alone constitutes the Md. Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan, Assistant Secretary (Media & Mission), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka
Digital Bangladesh
The Bengalee nation had a dream, which was shown by the For a government employee, it is the best medium for greatest Bengalee of all times - the Father of the Nation Ban- communication and evaluation of his work. For a pen- gabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We achieved our inde- sioner, a freedom fighter and a widow, it is a guarantee for pendence through a war of liberation after a long stretch of obtaining safety allowances and pensions with transpar- movements and struggle in order to realize that dream. Half ency. The main theme in the philosophy of Digital Bangla- of that dream has now materialised, but our struggle for desh is to ensure the empowerment of people through freedom or economic emancipation is yet to be crowned with success. The dream of a Golden Bangla is yet to be at- tained. Bangabandu's daughter and leader of the masses Sheikh Hasina had declared a pledge to build a Digital Bang- ladesh based on 'Vision-2021' in the election manifesto of 2008, keeping in mind her father's dream. The main idea of a Digital Bangladesh is to groom the nation as a knowledge- based middle-income country by the year 2021 through utili- sation of technologies. It aspires for a poverty and hunger- free Bangladesh through overall uplift of the living standard of Bangla's inhabitants. The present government has worked relentlessly during the past two years for achieving that ob- jective. It is a matter of satisfaction that the use of technol- ogy, especially that of information technology, has increased optimum utilisation of technology, establishment of good substantially due to the involvement of the masses in sincere governance and above all to meet the needs of all citizens endeavours of the government. People have realized that at their doorsteps. Digital Bangladesh will be implemented positive changes were taking place in their lives due to appli- for the welfare of all citizens irrespective of their wealth or cation of technology. I consider it to be a huge success of the status." government. The government has succeeded in creating a space of confidence among the citizenry. The ICT Policy was adopted in April soon after formation of the present government. A total of 306 action plans The development vision of Sheikh Hasina has striven to were taken up in its main programme for implementation. bring backward segments of the country's population to the The policy has fixed immediate steps, medium-term meas- mainstream by offering them additional assistance. In order ures and long-term actions for all ministries. As a result, all to materialise that, our objective has been to build a Digital bodies of the government are getting ready for Bangladesh by involving all citizens of the country. Technol- e-governance. The Ministry of Science and Information & ogy is considered/A path for progress/Digital Bangladesh/ Communication Technology is coordinating the whole Will be for all our masses. endeavour.
We feel more encouraged when we hear from the IT tech- Many of you have witnessed the digital innovation fair nologists of the present generation: "Digital Bangladesh is held at Bangabandhu Novo-theatre earlier this year. Hon- not a distant world. It is our own world. It is merely a guar- ourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had inaugurated the antee for becoming more developed, speedier and acquiring fair. Local and foreign policy-makers, experts and officials more sensitive technology at affordable prices. Again, it also from over hundred organizations were present at the inau- implies different worlds for different individuals. For a stu- guration. Explaining the significance of digital Bangladesh, dent, it is an assurance for obtaining high quality education. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said then, "It implied For a farmer, it is a guarantee for a market for the crops he paying bills through mobile phones, buying railway tickets produces. For a sick man, it is a guarantee for getting good from home, getting healthcare from upazila level doctors treatment, freedom from standing in the queue day after day. while staying in the village." She further said that we had made a pledge before the election to build a digital exam results through SMS and registering for Bangladesh. We have chosen information technology as a university admission from home. Mention can also be tool to fulfil that commitment. We seek to ensure transpar- made about the delivery orders received by sugarcane ency, accountability and good governance at all layers of growers through mobile SMS. If I say in a simple lan- administration. Those who are working and providing leader- guage, then it would sound something like this: ship to the administrative and service sectors of the govern- To register or to get result/ Please send SMS/It saves time ment have to think anew. They will have to find out how and expense/ The country is changing. At mill-gates the services can be sugarcane growers/ No more need to stand in ensured for the queues/It saves time and expense/The country is country's 150 mil- changing. Tenders are also online/Various tickets and lion people. We do bills/Saves so many hassles/ not want the peo- ple to move from Difficulties will soon vanish. I have a firm conviction door to door of that people's interest in technology, especially infor- administration for mation technology, has increased because of these services; rather, we developments. As a consequence, the number of mo- want services to bile-phone users has increased by over 20 million dur- reach the doorsteps of the citizens. We have for the first time ing the past two years. And at governmental level, we were succeeded in presenting our good intentions before the peo- also inspired to establish 4,501 union information service ple. You have noticed, that even the secretaries of ministries centres throughout the country. Even unions without elec- were now telling the people what they would do for the com- tricity supply have not been left out. Besides, information mon man during the coming year. These are big changes. We centres have also been set up at 125 upazilas and informa- also witnessed during the digital fair that a canopy of honest tion portals were launched for 64 districts. We are opti- competition has been put in place among the concerned min- mistic that by the grace of Almighty, we shall succeed in istries in this area. building a digital Bangladesh as desired by Bangabandhu's daughter, before the year 2021. Many things can be said about our successes in information Mr. Yeafesh Osman technology during the past two years. These include getting Architect, (Translated by: Helal Uddin Ahmed)
Sector opportunities: Shipbuilding Industry in Bangladesh
Introduction building large ocean-faring vessels, for which less Water transport is the cheapest one in every parts of the intensive labor is required. This, however, has left an world. So people started giving due importance to water opportunity for developing countries like Bangladesh transports since the economic activities started. Bangla- to produce small sized ocean-faring vessels, not ex- desh has a long history of shipbuilding as regards ceeding 25,000 Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) capac- reverine, coastal and ocean-faring vessels. The large in- ity. Bangladesh, India and Indonesia are trying to ternational market for small ocean-faring vessels, the avail this opportunity as all of them have abundant impact of labor cost on such vessels and abundance of and low waged labors. Moreover, they have skilled skilled labor at low price have made Bangladesh a com- and semi skilled labors in this sector for many dec- petitive shipbuilding country. ades. Cargo vessels under inland shipping ordinance began during eighties with sizes from 200 DWT to Present position of shipbuilding industry in Bang- 500 DWT. Such construction did not require any or- ladesh ganized dockyard or shipyard. These vessels were Major shipbuilding countries such as Korea, China, Ja- built on bare land on the river side, scattered around pan, and Vietnam have all moved their focus towards the country especially where electricity was available on the river banks and construction of inland vessels − The Meghna Group recently signed a US$ 35 million flourished. Presently, the industries manufacturing row fer- deal with South Korean shipbuilding giant STX to ries, tug boats, fishing trawlers, inland oil tankers, etc. are build the country’s largest ship-manufacturing facil- catering to the local demand. With the ship-breaking indus- ity. The company will have the capacity to build ships try flourishing in Chittagong, availability of steel plates up to 25,000 DWT and is situated on 33 acres of boosted the inland shipbuilding in the early nineties and land (approximately 133,500 m²) on the Meghna various shipyards started to emerge in this sector. As of to- River. The Meghna Group is also contemplating set- day, about 200 locally-built cargo vessels of varying sizes- ting up a steel plant that could meet the requirements from 500 DWT to 2000 DWT are now operating and one of the shipbuilding industry. thousand vessels having 1000 passengers capacity each are − Dockyard & Engineering Works Limited (DEWL) is transporting passengers on our inland riverine roots. More- the country’s oldest shipbuilder and is currently run over, today there are about 300 small and large dockyards, by the Bangladesh Navy. It has already made a deci- generating about 100,000 jobs. sion to develop its existing infrastructure to interna- tional standards to lure export orders from overseas A total number of 30 shipbuilding industry has so far been buyers. DEWL is situated on 22 acres (approximately registered with Board of Investment (BOI). Out of these, 89,000 m²) of land at Sonakanda in Narayanganj dis- 22 are local investment projects, 07 are joint venture pro- trict on the bank of Sitalakhya River. It currently has jects and the rest one is 100% foreign owned project. The facilities for building Ro-Ro ferries, tugboats, inland total proposed investment of these projects is around Taka and coastal vessels. DEWL is planning to install ca- 847 crore and bulk of which is local investment that comes pacity to build ships of up to 8,000 DWT. around Taka 720 crore. Excepting a few, most of the items − The Karnaphuli-based Rangs Group is in the process of product are reverine and coastal cargoes, row ferries, tug of setting up Desh Shipbuilding at a cost of Tk 100 boats, fishing trawlers, inland oil tankers and so on. crore (approximately @ 14.5 million) at Sadar Ghat in Chittagong. − Meghna Ghat-base Khan Brothers has invested around Tk. 16 crore (approximately $ 2.3 million) to develop a shipbuilding infrastructure at Gazaria in Munshiganj near the Meghna Bridge outside Dhaka. − Bengal Electric has acquired approximately 50 acres (202,000 m²) of land in Munshiganj to start ship- building for export. The construction work of slip- way is now under way.
Entering export market of Bangladeshi ship Cost-effective human resource in comparison with other Potential Bangladeshi Ocean –faring Shipbuilders shipbuilding nations and comparative advantages such as − Khulna Shipyard Ltd (KSY) is located on 68.97 acres simple importation facility of raw materials, duty free (approximately 279,000 m²) of land at Labanchara, market access for Bangladesh ships to other countries Khulna, on the bank of river Qazi Bacha, branch of the have encouraged the Bangladesh entrepreneurs of this Rupsha. It is about 45 km north from Mongla Sea Port. sector to come forward in export business. Bangladesh The shipyard was founded in 1954 and commissioned got its first exposure of international shipbuilding in in 1957. It was taken over by the Bangladesh navy in 1979. Japanese shipbuilding giant Mitsui Engineering and 1999. It has significant capacity for servicing ships and shipbuilding industry developed the first and the largest this can be transformed into ocean-faring vessel build- joint venture shipyard with High Speed Shipbuilding ing shipyard relatively quickly and with significantly less Engineering Co. Ltd. at Fatullah, Dhaka and were able to investment than founding a new shipyard. build eight grain carriers under international tender floated by FAO according to the international and is now estimated to be as big as US$ 400 billion an- nually. Several sources are optimistic that Bangladesh could achieve at least 1% market share, i.e. exports of as much as US$4 billion annually. Moreover, it is estimated that shipbuilding industry could become the second big- gest exporting industry in Bangladesh by 2015.
Investment opportunities for shipbuilding industry in Bangladesh: − Long shipbuilding history − Ample supply of skilled labor − Low cost, high productivity labor − Labor’s Knowledge of English (as compared to classification. It built the first barge-mounted power plant China/Vietnam) for Rural Power Company, several oil tankers, first moving − Accredited training institute to train artisans patrol boat for Navy and troops carrier for the Bangladesh − Reverine nature of the country Army. In 2005, Ananda Shipyards and Slipways Ltd se- − All the small ships exported till date are regarded as cured the first order for ocean-faring vessels from a high of high quality end market like Denmark by competing with Chinese and − Repeat orders received by the shipbuilders Vietnamese shipbuilders and delivered the first ship in the − Some spare, capacity currently available first half of 2008. Later on, it received a number of orders − There are a lot of dockyards that can be converted and delivered, while a second company, Western Marine, rapidly to build ocean faring vessels has also received a significant number of orders and al- − Simple importation facilities ready delivered a ship. Ananda Shipyard has successfully − Green Channel Clearance Facilities completed 05 nos. of exportable ships. These have either − Shipbuilding industry has been included in the ex- been exported or in the process of export. Among these, 04 port list and indentified as a thrust sector in the na- vessels have been made for Mozambique and 01 for Hol- tional industrial policy 2010. land. Moreover, 24 Multi Purpose Cargo Vessels are under − Duty free market access for Bangladeshi ships to construction having dead weight from 5500 DWT to 7250 other countries DWT. All these cargo vessels will be exported to Germany. − 100% foreign equity is allowed. The other shipbuilding giant ‘Western Marine Shipyard’ has also exported 01 Floating Reception Vessel to Finland on Investment Incentives 13th January, 2010. Moreover, 04 more 5200 DWT Multi Bangladesh offers favorable investment climate com- Purpose Cargoes will be exported within December, 2010 pared to the other South Asians economics. For detail to Germany. Another 12 vessels are under construction and please visit Board of Investment (BOI) Website: http:// will be exported in 2011 & 2012 as per contact. Out of www.boi.gov.bd these 12 exportable vessels, 02 are Passenger Boats to be built for Pakistan, 08 are Multi Purpose Cargoes to be con- Considering the market size (Local & Global), duty free structed for Germany and rest 02 are also Multi Purpose market access, cost-effective human resource, other Cargoes to be made for Denmark. This has attracted other costs & regulatory environment of investment, investing local investors to invest in this sector. Most of them are in the shipbuilding industry in Bangladesh has been trying to upgrade their existing facilities to meet the interna- deemed highly attractive and profitable. tional standards.
As a result of the growth in international trade volumes, Source: Board of Investment, Bangladesh (Adapted Version) the market for small ocean-faring vessels grew significantly (http://www.boi.gov.bd)
News Items
Empowerment of people: UN adopts Sheikh Hasina's proposal The United Nations Gen- at its second committee meeting unanimously adopted eral Assembly adopted the resolution. The proposal envisaged the ways of Prime Minister Sheikh people's empowerment, removal of discrepancy, Hasina's proposal on development of human resources, women develop- 'People's Empowerment' ment and prevention of terrorism. Bangladesh in the form of a resolution is reportedly, going to host an international conference on 22 December 2011. She made the proposal at the in Dhaka on the Prime Minister's proposed model on last UNGA session in New York and on November 'Empowerment of the People'. 22, the UN Economic and Development Council
Marketing summit ends with Dhaka Declaration
The World Marketing development in IT enabled services education. The two Summit (WMS) which incubators would be coordinated by the Kotler Centre was held in Dhaka, Bang- for Marketing Excellence of the University of Dhaka. ladesh from 01-03 March The summit was a global initiative of popular market- 2012 adopted a ten-point declaration with focus on a ing guru Prof Philip Kotler in association with the For- year-long research into health, educa- eign Ministry of Bangladesh. The tion, environment and food security. event provided a platform for mar- Two incubators targeting the health keting and branding experts to dis- and education sectors would be es- cuss how marketing principles, tools tablished in Bangladesh very soon and insights may be used to solve and the health incubator would focus world problems. About 60 business on micro health insurance, targeting the garment work- leaders, entrepreneurs and heads of corporate bodies ers in the country to compliment these workers' earn- from across the world participated in the summit. Ac- ings. The education incubator would focus on creating cording to the declaration, four other incubators would employment for high school dropouts through skills be set up in India, United Kingdom, Brazil and USA.
UN keen to showcase Bangladesh's success in child and maternal healthcare
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Earlier, in Dhaka, Ban Ki-Moon Moon lauded Bangladesh for being on attended the inaugural ceremony of the right track to achieve the MDGs the district e-centre along with Prime in child and maternal healthcare de- Minister Sheikh Hasina on 14 velopment. He expressed the UN's November 2011. He also attended keenness to showcase the country's various programmes in the city and achievement before the world while visiting the Moulvibazar apart from holding meetings with Mobarakpur Community Clinic in Moulvibazar on 15 the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Foreign November 2011. Ban Ki-Moon said the success of Minister. Ban Ki-Moon delivered a speech at Dhaka Bangladesh in the child and maternal healthcare University where he was conferred an honorary overwhelmed him. doctorate degree.
German President visits Bangladesh
Then President of the Federal Republic of Germany, ment along with existing multilateral linkages,” Wulff Christian Wulff, paid an official visit in Bangladesh said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought German from 28 November to 30 November 2011. He was ac- support in the energy sector and global climate change companied by Members of the German negotiations. She also requested Parliament, State Secretaries of the German collaboration with Bang- German Foreign Office and the Ger- ladesh universities and research man Ministry for Economics and Tech- institutions, especially in medicine, nology. During his meeting with Bang- bio-technology, genetic engineer- ladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ing, applied disciplines and ICT on 29 November 2011, the German areas. “Bangladesh always gives President acclaimed Bangladesh as a 'stabilizing force' high importance to its relations with Germany, which is in South Asia and praised the development activities its second largest destination of export and one of the taken up by the government. President Wulff led an 84- main development partners.”, the Prime Minister said member delegation, including a strong business team during the meeting. She told the President about her and said that the large business delegation accompany- government's firm commitment to strengthening de- ing him was a strong sign of Germany's intention to mocratic values, practices and institutions. Besides, the boost economic ties with Bangladesh. “We want to government was determined to wipe out terrorism, a proceed bilaterally to explore new avenues of coopera- task in which it had been working jointly with the inter- tion in areas of trade, investment, power and develop- national community, she said.
Bangladesh keeps up stable outlook in credit rating
Standard & Poor's (S&P) has improve its debt ratios, according to its update as of affirmed Bangladesh's sovereign January 13. Bangladesh received the same rating and credit rating with a stable outlook from the firm in 2011 and 2010. The rating outlook, which would give a came a few days after another international rating much-needed boost to the country's economy. The agency, Moody's Investors Service, reassessed Bangla- US-based financial services company gave Bangladesh a desh and left its rating unchanged at “Ba3”, which the “BB-”, due to its strong growth prospects, adequate central bank of Bangladesh believes would help the external liquidity and substantial donor commitment to country float its first ever sovereign bonds.
Chittagong port to be the gateway for trade activities of South Asia: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina introduced the Con- firm commitment to building Chittagong Port as the tainer Terminal Management System (CTMS) on 27 gateway to the trade activities of South Asia. The cargo handling of Chittagong Port has now gone into full- fledged automation with the inauguration of CTMS. "The government has also taken initiatives to build a deep seaport in Sonadia in Cox's Bazar for expanding the regional trade by utilising the geographical advan- December 2011, the modern digitalized system of con- tage of Chittagong port which has been working as a tainer handling, and the radiation detection system of trade link between South and Southeast Asia," the the port of Chittagong and reiterated her government's Prime Minister said.
Bangladesh – UK sign MoU on energy sector cooperation
The government of Bangladesh signed a Memorandum use of renewable energy. Under the deal, the two gov- of Understanding (MoU) with the UK on 26 February ernments will jointly work on renewable energy, energy 2012 to enhance cooperation in Bangladesh's energy technologies and techniques, research, services and sectors and conduct research on enhancement of the policies and energy efficiency and conservation.
MoU signed with Indian firm over wind power plant The Power Division of Bangla- power plant in Bangladesh. Indian privately-owned desh on 12 February 2012 signed firm would build the plant on pilot basis initially. It an MoU with an Indian firm, would conduct the survey to be completed by February namely ReGen Powertech, to 2013 at Muhuri dam of Feni, Cox's Bazar, Anwara in conduct a feasibility study and Chittagong, and Kuakata and Khepupara in Patuakhali build a 15-megawatt wind-based at its own cost.
SASNET seminar on Bangladesh: Politics, Economy and Civil Society
Coinciding with the 40th anniver- social policy and development at London sary of Bangladeshi independence, School of Economics & Political Science the Victory Day of 16th December (LSE) where he spoke about “Repositioning 1971, SASNET held a well- Bangladesh in the global imagination”, giving attended seminar on “Bangladesh: new perspectives on Bangladeshi development. Politics, Economy and Civil Soci- ety 40 years after Liberation” on David Lewis and Khandker Masudul Alam It was based on his recently published book Thursday 15 December 2011. The seminar was organ- “Bangladesh. Politics, Economy and Civil Society”. Mr. ised in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Khandker Masudul Alam, First Secretary of the Em- Lund University. A large number of attendees including bassy of Bangladesh in Sweden, also participated in the students and researchers of Lund University, listened to seminar, giving a presentation on Bangladesh’s devel- the keynote speaker, Mr. David Lewis, Professor of opment from 1971 till date.
Bangladesh elected chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission
Bangladesh has been elected chairman unanimously to ambassador and permanent representative of the United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Commission Bangladesh to the UN, will lead the PBC till December (PBC) for the year 2012. Dr AK Abdul Momen, 31, 2012. McKinsey sees cheerful future for RMG exports of Bangladesh Bangladesh's apparel exports Recently, McKinsey had conducted a study to review could triple by 2020 as European Bangladesh's RMG growth formula. It was an extensive and US buyers plan to interview-based survey of chief purchasing officers strengthen their presence in the from leading apparel players in Europe and the US, country and new players enter who account for US $46 billion in total apparel the market seen as 'next China', sourcing value and covering 66% of all apparel exports according to a prestigious study, from Bangladesh. The study also included telephone- McKinsey & Company. In fiscal year 2010-11, Bangla- based survey of more than 100 local garment suppliers desh fetched US $12.59 billion from garment exports. and in-depth research. ‘Banglalink Krishibazaar’ wins global award
Banglalink, the second largest held in London on 7 November 2011. In this service, mobile phone operator in Bang- any Banglalink subscriber can dial a number (2474) to ladesh, has recently won the get registered in Krishibazaar and record his or her World Communication Award own advertisement of trading of agro-goods or browse 2011 under the category - Best through by listening to other advertisements recorded New Service: Consumer, for its project ‘Krishibazaar’, by other callers to get necessary information.
Bangladesh ranks 1st among South Asian nations in taxation services
Bangladesh ranks first among the South-Asian had collected information from World Bank, countries in taxation services and 12th among the 19 International Finance Corporation (IFC) and business Asia-Pacific countries, according to a latest study report executives of Asia-Pacific countries for its study. on "Good Governance for International Business The indicators were - rule of law, openness to Asia Pacific 2011" by Singapore-based corporate international trade & business, political stability, advisory firm, Vriens & Partners PTE LTD. The firm taxation and corruption.
Bangladesh signs deal for first nuclear plant
The government of Bangla- each. According to the agreement, Russia will extend all desh, on 02 November necessary support for setting up the plant and supply of 2011, struck an agreement nuclear fuel. The project would be under the control of with Russia to set up a two- the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The unit nuclear power plant at first and foremost part of the deal was assurance of Rooppur, Pabna, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts safety and repatriation of spent fuel.
Steps underway to expand 40 industrial estates
The government has taken initiative for expanding 40 industrialization. New plots would be allocated to the industrial estates of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women en- Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in a bid to accommo- trepreneurs would get priority after successful imple- date more entrepreneurs there and help boost country’s mentation of the project.
Gazprom gets CPP nod to drill 10 gas-wells in Bangladesh
Russian Gazprom has entered posal, the Russian state-owned petroleum exploration into a deal signed in December and production company will dig 10 gas-wells in 2011 to drill 10 gas-wells across the existing onshore gas-fields at a contract value Bangladesh. As per the pro- of US $193.52 million.
More deals signed for getting electricity
The government of Bangladesh, on 20 As per the agreements with the December 2011, signed deals with two Power Development Board, Orion separate companies on setting up coal- Group will build three coal-fired based and solar power plants of total power plants worth US $1.4 billion 1,105MW capacity, as part of its efforts to while Solarium Power Ltd will build diversify energy sources in Bangladesh. a solar power plant. Business, Economy, Trade, Event and Investment BUSINESS Investment and Business News
Dhaka, Berlin agree to boost economic ties, bilateral relation and trade
On the occasion of her state visit to Germany, Bangla- ing of two joint declarations - one for cooperation in desh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met the German the field of health and the other for climate change. Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on 25 October 2011. They decided to further strengthen economic ties In a meeting with the Federal Minister of Environ- between the two countries ment Norbert Röttgen, who called on in the future and intensify the Bangladesh Prime Minister, the the already excellent rela- Prime Minister sought German assis- tions between Germany and tance in Bangladesh´s adaptation and Bangladesh. The two lead- mitigation action plans and asked for ers also agreed to further transfer of Germany´s high quality, explore bilateral trade and environment-friendly technology to cooperation in the areas of Bangladesh. She urged Germany to sustainable development, take a leading role in implementing the climate change, health and social safety net programme. climate change agreement to help the most vulner- “Our development cooperation is very good. We have able countries. discussed how to strengthen our economic ties,” Ger- man Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel told the newsmen. German investors could make big investment in The two leaders also discussed cooperation in renew- Bangladesh, exploiting the facilities her government able energy, and primary and secondary education for offers to foreign investors, the Prime Minister said the young people of Bangladesh. The Chancellor while the Federal Minister for Economic Coopera- praised Sheikh Hasina for her government's role in tack- tion and Development Dirk Niebel met her at a Ho- ling the Bangladesh economy despite the global eco- tel in Berlin. Investment opportunities mentioned nomic downturn. The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were infrastructure, power generation, deep sea-port extended her thanks to Merkel for facilitating the sign- and the international airport.
Denmark keen to invest more in Bangladesh
Danish ambassador in Dhaka Svend years. According to the Export Promotion Bureau of Olling has said that a good number of Bangladesh (EPB), Bangladesh’s export earning in business persons of his country ex- FY 2010-11 was US $324.49 million from Denmark pressed desire to do business in Bangladesh. The against US $231.72 million earned in FY 2009-10. Danish investors are ready to do trade with Bangladesh because Bangladesh is absolutely ready to take up the Earlier on 21 November 2011, the challenges of becoming a middle-income country by Danish government expressed its keen expansion of trade and commerce, Mr.Olling men- interest to invest US $1 billion in Bang- tioned in a roundtable discussion on 12 February 2012 ladesh for establishing a new fertilizer in Dhaka. Danish Ambassador said Bangladesh is in a factory at Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria district. This competitive position because of some strength, such as expression of interest came when Ambassador Svend low-cost labour and tremendous trade growth in recent Olling met Industries Minister Mr. Dilip Barua, MP.
BUSINESS Economy and Business News
Bangladesh-Denmark trade hits record growth
The two-way trade between Bangladesh and Denmark from Bangladesh to Denmark in January to August has increased by more than 30% in during the period of was 1.27 billion Danish Kroner about 30% higher January-August 2011 as the Danish entrepreneurs seem than the same period of 2010. On the other hand, gaining confidence in local potentials and feel comfort- during the first eight months of 2011, goods worth able doing business with Bangladeshi companies. 194 million Danish Kroner entered Bangladesh from “Bangladesh-Denmark business relations are on the Denmark with an increase of 33.88% compared to verge of a record upswing once again and making 2011 the same period of the preceding year. Danish com- a successful year of trade,” the Danish Ambassador to panies are doing business with Bangladeshi compa- Bangladesh Mr. Svend Olling told newsmen on 01 No- nies in various potential sectors like IT, pharmaceuti- vember 2011. He said that the confidence of the foreign cals, maritime, dairy, agriculture as well as green-tech entrepreneurs in and renewable energy. The Danish companies are Bangladesh indi- relatively active in Bangladesh, mostly through joint cates that the ventures, but also through wholly owned subsidiaries. country is on the In shipbuilding sector, the first Bangladeshi built right path of be- oceangoing ship for export was bought by a Danish coming a middle customer in 2009. Subsequently, there were more income country. ships built at Ananda Shipyard and Western Marine
Danish trade with Bangladesh (Source: Danish Embassy, Dhaka) The total export Shipyard of Bangladesh by Danish buyers.
LG to set up US $500 m home appliance production unit in Bangladesh
South Korean electronics giant assemble refrigerator. Also, a number of electronics LG Electronics and Bangladesh’s products such as television, microwave oven, Butterfly Marketing are likely to air-conditioner, washing machine and other home set up a factory with a total appliances would be made at the factory to cater to investment of US $500 million to assemble electronic the local market, now growing at 10-15% a year. This products in Bangladesh. The first phase of the project is production plant would generate 5,000 jobs in likely to start in 2012 with a joint venture entity to Bangladesh.
Chevron to invest more gas production in Bangladesh
US oil company Chevron , which has invested more increase the investment than US $1 billion in Bangladesh to explore natural gas, as US Geological said on 25 October 2011 that it would make further Survey suggests there investment as the government has asked it to raise pro- are potentials to ex- duction. Chevron is currently producing about 1,000 plore up to 32 trillion million cubic feet (mmcft) of gas each day from its three cubic feet of gas (TCF) Bangladesh fields. So far the company has invested in the country that more than US $1 billion in Bangladesh and wants to needed US $10 billion of dollar in investment.
Embassy Activities
Bangladesh Ambassador Presents Letter of Credence to the King of Norway
Ambassador Mr. AFM way the Ambassador and Norwegian dignitaries dis- Gousal Azam Sarker cussed Bangladesh’s strides in socio-economic, politi- presented his creden- cal, good governance and trade & investment areas tials to the Norwegian of Bangladesh. The Ambassador highlighted during King H.M. Harold V the meeting that Norway, with its excellence in cer- on 15 December 2011 tain sectors could bring large investments and pro- as Ambassador of vide more business opportunities to Bangladesh. Bangladesh to Nor- During the visit, the Ambassador also had meetings way. During his vari- with Norwegian Foreign Ministry, Det Norske Veri- ous meetings in Nor- tas (DNV) and Innovation Norway officials.
Celebration of the Martyr’s Day and the International Mother Language Day in Sweden
their supreme sacrifice for our mother tongue Bangla. While explaining the significance of the event in shaping up the future of our Nation, he observed that the language Movement laid the foundation for the ultimate independence of our country. He reminded everyone that it was every country’s responsibility to do its part to internationally establish their mother language, literature and culture originating from it. He urged the members of Bangladesh communities in the Nordic countries to teach their children both Bangla and other foreign languages correctly so that in future they could work as a bridge between their The Martyr’s Day and the International Mother Lan- country of origin and the country of residence, and guage Day was observed at the Mission on 21 February uphold the rich culture of Bangladesh in foreign 2012. Among different programmes, a discussion meet- lands. He emphasized on the need for protecting and ing and a cultural programme were organized at the promoting mother languages everywhere as the Embassy premises in the afternoon. The messages of day is now being observed as International the Hon'ble President, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, and Language Day all over the world after UNESCO the Hon'ble Foreign Minister were read out. Several declaration in members of the community participated in the discus- 1999 in recog- sion highlighting the significance of the day and paid nition of the their homage to the martyrs. sacrifices of the language mar- In his speech, H.E. the Ambassador paid rich tributes tyrs in Bang- to the martyrs of the Language Movement and recalled ladesh in 1952.
Celebrating the Victory Day
The 40th anniversary independence of the country. He paid homage to the of the Victory Day of Father of the Nation. He gave some highlights of the Bangladesh was ob- achievements that had been made by Bangladesh in served by this Mission last forty years including poverty reduction, improved on 16 December healthcare, higher literacy, gaining self sufficiency in 2011. Among pro- food, winning MDG award for improvement in grammes of the day, social sectors etc. He also highlighted the Vision 2021 special prayers were of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered for the de- and hoped that through hard work and nation parted souls of the building activities, imbued with the spirit of our martyrs, who laid Victory Day, people of Bangladesh would down their lives dur- successfully achieve this cherished goal of peace, ing the War of Liberation in 1971 and a colorful progress and prosperity and be a middle income programme was arranged in the evening consisting of country by the 50th anniversary of the discussion meeting, children’s competition, and cultural Independence. performances (songs, recitations, and dances) to celebrate the day. A sizable number of members of the local Bangladesh community, representatives from Swedish media and academia as well as the officials of the Embassy attended the programme. The messages from the Hon'ble President, the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Foreign Minister were read out. A good number of community members participated in the discussion meeting and expressed their thoughts. In his speech, H.E. the Ambassador paid rich tributes to the martyrs and the freedom fighters of our War of Liberation and recalled their supreme sacrifices for the
Observance of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi
The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth- sion meeting and a Milad Mahfil at the Embassy and- death anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad premises in which the holy Prophet’s life was dis- (SM), was observed by the Mission on 05 February cussed and emphasis was given on following the life 2012. On this occasion, the Mission organized a discus- and principles of the Prophet.
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IMPORTANT LINKS
Government Organizations Trade, Business & Investment
Bangladesh Government Website : Board of Investment : http://www.bangladesh.gov.bd/ http://www.boi.gov.bd/ Prime Minister’s office : Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority http://www.pmo.gov.bd/ (BEPZA) : Ministry of Foreign Affairs : http://www.epzbangladesh.org.bd/ http://www.mofa.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Asso- ciation (BGMEA) : Ministry of Commerce : http://www.mincom.gov.bd/ http://www.bgmea.com/ National Board of Revenue : Export Promotion Bureau : http://www.nbr-bd.org/ http://epb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Tariff Commission : Registrar of the Joint Stock Companies & Firms : http://www.bdtariffcom.org/ http://www.roc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics : Privatization Commission of Bangladesh : http://www.bbs.gov.bd/ http://www.pc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Bank : The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce http://www.bangladesh-bank.org/ and Industry : Biman Bangladesh Airlines : http://www.fbcci-bd.org/ http://www.biman-airlines.com Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry : NGO Affairs Bureau : http://www.dhakachamber.com/ http://www.ngoab.gov.bd/ Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry: http://www.chittagongchamber.com/ Tourism & Media Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry : http://www.ficci.org.bd/ Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry : National Tourism Corporation: (tour operators directories) http://www.mccibd.org/ http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/ Dhaka Stock Exchange Limited : Hotel and Travel Guide : http://www.dsebd.org/ http://www.bangladesh.com/ Chittagong Stock Exchange : The Daily Star (English) : http://csebd.com/cse/start.html http://www.thedailystar.net/ Business Information : The Financial Express : http://www.bizinfo-bangladesh.com/ http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/ Bangladesh Yellow Pages : The Daily Ittefaq (Bangla) : http://www.bgyellowpages.com/ http://www.ittefaq.com/
Chief Editor : His Excellency, For More Information on Bangladesh as well as A.F.M. Gousal Azam Sarker Ambassador consular, trade, business and tourist Editor : Khandker Masudul Alam, information, please visit Bangladesh Embassy Counsellor website at http://www.bangladoot.se Graphics & Design by : Tariq Ibne Abedin, Trade Attaché
Published by : The Embassy of Bangladesh, Anderstorpsvägen 12, 1 tr., 171 54, Solna, Sweden Telephone : + 46 8 730 5850, Fax : + 46 8 730 5870, Email : [email protected]