President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Taskin Ahmed, has urged South Korea to recruit more skilled workers from Bangladesh. Additionally, he called for greater technological assistance and investment in key sectors such as API, automobiles, electronics, semiconductors, ICT, leather and leather goods, apparel, and shipbuilding.
The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh, Park Young-sik, on Monday, January 13.
During the meeting, Taskin Ahmed highlighted that the bilateral trade volume between the two countries amounted to $1.39 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year, with imports and exports valued at $902.90 million and $491.73 million, respectively. He also noted that South Korea ranks as the third-largest investor in Bangladesh, with investments totaling $1.56 billion.
Ahmed emphasized the need for South Korea’s increased investment and technological support, particularly in sectors such as API, automobiles, electronics, semiconductors, ICT, leather and leather goods, apparel, and shipbuilding. He also pointed out the potential of Bangladeshi freelancers, particularly in semiconductor design, and sought South Korea’s assistance in advancing this field.
South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik underscored the importance of streamlining visa issuance and renewal processes, expediting customs clearance, improving BIDA services, maintaining competitive corporate tax rates, and reducing logistics costs to attract foreign investment.
“With its abundant human resources, strategic location, and large consumer market, Bangladesh is a highly promising destination for foreign investment,” said Ambassador Park. He added that sectors like electronics, mobile, automobiles, and ICT offer significant opportunities for investment in Bangladesh.
The Ambassador also noted South Korea’s ongoing support in training teachers at Bangladesh’s technical education centers and providing modern equipment to develop skilled human resources. He stressed the importance of increasing industrial capacity and adopting advanced technologies to address challenges in Bangladesh’s post-LDC era.
DCCI Senior Vice President Rajib H. Chowdhury called for South Korea’s technological collaboration and joint investments in Bangladesh’s agricultural processing sector.
DCCI Vice President Md. Salim Solaiman and senior officials from the South Korean Embassy were also present at the meeting.
