2023 will be a milestone in Dhaka-Seoul ties: Lee

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Wednesday said this year will be “momentous” in terms of Bangladesh-Korea relations and efforts are underway to further strengthen the relations through joint efforts.

“We want to make it a milestone year,” he said while speaking at a programme at the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka.

The ambassador thanked the Korean Community in Bangladesh for celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh-South Korea diplomatic relations.

To celebrate and propel economic success and celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the Korean Community Association is gearing up for “Korea Week 2023” - to be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) and Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka from February 25 to March 3 with the theme “Stay Strong, March Together”.

South Korea is Bangladesh’s 5th largest FDI provider with USD 1.3 billion invested here. Almost 200 South Korean companies have already invested in various sectors in Bangladesh.

Recently, South Korea’s investment has been diversified to infrastructure, energy, and consumer goods such as electronics, thereby contributing to the further expansion of bilateral collaboration.

The South Korea International Trade Association (SKITA) estimates that the two nations’ bilateral trade volume reached $3.035 billion in 2022, a 38.71 per cent increase from $2.188 billion the year before.

The Korean Community Association, along with Korea Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), is organizing “Korea Week 2023.”

Chairman of the Korean Community in Bangladesh Yong Oh Yu said, “South Korea is considering introducing big Korean companies such as Samsung and Hyundai to Bangladesh to engage in construction, engineering, electronics, and autos as Bangladesh improves its investment environment and expands its market base.”

A profusion of festivals and events will mark the 50th anniversary with a view to deepening and promoting more opportunities, building up consolidated economic relationships, and strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

In “Showcase Korea” (demonstration and display of Korean goods; 25-26 February), more than 40 companies will participate in Showcase Korea, for which LG will serve as the lead sponsor.

For Kpop Teams Live Concert on 25 February through Samsung Galaxy sponsorship, Boy-group “TAN” and Girl-group “ICU” along with Korean martial art Taekwondo performance team “Nolja” will come to Dhaka to entertain Bangladesh Kpop fans.

In addition, various cultural experience activities (throughout the week sponsored by KOICA), Korean food, electronic products, and Korean tourism information will be introduced to Bangladesh people.