The New Nation - Internet Edition

ECONOMIC REPORTER

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Suk-bum Park visited the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on February 17 last.

During his visit he held a meeting with DCCI Acting President Salauddin Abdullah. DCCI Vice-President Khandaker Shahidul Islam and other directors of the chamber were present.

In his opening speech the Senior Vice-President of the Chamber welcomed the Korean Ambassador and his deputy and highlighted areas of the present business conditions of Bangladesh and gave figures of the trade imbalance between the two countries. He mentioned that in 2006-2007 fiscal year Bangladesh's export to South Korea was US$79.63 million and import from South Korea was US$552.71 million. He stressed on the need of reducing the huge trade gap amounting US$473.08 million and sought cooperation from the Korean side in this regard. After his address, the members present at the meet introduced themselves and took part in short deliberations.

The speakers stressed the need to reduce trade gap between the two countries and suggested to activate the Korean business centers to be more responsive to Bangladesh queries.

They also focused on the facilities available at DCCI and the prospects of business in Bangladesh. They also mentioned about the training institute of the DCCI and sought Korean cooperation in further advancement of the training cell.

Ambassador Suk-bum Park gave a patience hearing and appreciated the approach and suggestions put forward by the DCCI leaders.

In his brief address, he expressed his desire to improve the trade conditions.

He said he would like to promote more trade visits between the two countries and also arrange one to one meet between members of the business communities of two countries.

He also suggested frequent meetings with the members of the DCCI that would help in better understanding of business of two countries.

He also expressed his intentions to take part in Better Business Forum activities to help develop business between the two countries. Later the Ambassador went round the DCCI business institute.