July 17, 2014
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
#
The European Union has decided to increase the annual development assistance to Bangladesh to over 100 million Euros from 60 million Euros. The decision was taken to boost the annual assistance for the next seven years starting from 2014, William Hanna, the outgoing head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh made the announcement while meeting with the journalists.
The final determination of the maritime boundaries of Bangladesh will be of immense benefit to the 160 million people of the country. According to the verdict of Hague-based international arbitral tribunal, Bangladesh has already won 19,467 square kilometers area in the Bay of Bengal. Given the growing scarcity of energy, and the high potential of discovery of gas and petroleum resources in the Bay of Bengal, the favourable decisions obtained by Bangladesh could prove to be of significant economic value.
To discuss ways to better explore the untapped resources of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh will host a two-day international workshop on ‘Blue Economy’ on September 01-02 this year. The workshop will help to generate more awareness and broaden horizons towards utilizing resources of the sea and thus bring about socioeconomic changes in the lives of people of Bangladesh.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
#
Bangladesh's exports may accelerate 14.35 percent year-on-year to $34.5 billion in the fiscal year starting July. Garment exports in the current fiscal year may rise 15 percent from the previous year's earnings as Bangladesh exported $24.5 billion of garment products in 2013-14. The garment sector accounts for about 80 percent of exports.
Bangladesh’s garment industry is continuing its strong export growth as the Awami League led government has ensured enough health and security facilities and increased wages for the workers and their families. The alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety extended compensation for workers displaced due to factory remediation from two months’ up to four months’ wages. In French National Day on July 14, France has also emphasized its commitment towards ensuring continued efforts of all stakeholders to improve Bangladeshi garment workers' safety.
Bangladesh’s textile chemicals market is forecast to grow around 7% during 2014-19. A global research report indicates that Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is the largest consumer of textile chemicals in the country due to the presence of a large number of textile mills and garment factories in the region.
For the first time ever, Bangladesh is set to launch its own ‘locally-assembled’ smart phones and regular mobile phones. State-owned Telephone Shilpa Sangstha Ltd (TSS) and private company OK Mobile BD have jointly taken this initiative.
REGIONAL COOPERATION IN TRADE
#
Bangladesh prepares to develop the necessary infrastructure in its part of the proposed 3000-kilometre economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, China India and Myanmar (BCIM) with China's assistance. Bangladesh government has endorsed a proposal from a Chinese government-owned company to start the feasibility study on the Bangladesh part of the sub-regional bloc that would open up the eastern horizons.
Total trade volumes between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have crossed $100 million mark for the first time. Total trade volumes between the two countries were $83.19 million in 2012, significantly rose by 67% to $139.23 million in 2013. Some 15,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in Bangladesh and 45 Lankan firms have invested $292 million in the country in various ventures.
In order to strengthen the socio-economic relationship between Bangladesh and India, a delegation from Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) recently visited Bangladesh and urged to open a Bangladesh Trade Information Centre in India’s Guwahati. The delegation met Bangladeshi commerce minister Tofail Ahmed and submitted a memorandum requesting him to take measures to boost trade and commerce between both the countries. On the other hand, Tripura's Lok Sabha MP Jitendra Chaudhury urged Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj to make the visa process easy for Bangladeshis intending to visit India.
BANGLADESH ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
#
Bangladesh has won a silver medal and a bronze at the 55th International Mathematics Olympiad in South Africa and four other students also got honourable mention award. A total of 560 students from 101 countries have participated in that event.
FIFA has acknowledged the 3.5 km long German flag, made by the Bangladeshi farmer Amzad Hossain. FIFA’s official website has posted the image of that grand flag. German Charge d’ Affaires Dr Ferdinand von Weyhe also honoured him with the Lifetime membership of German football team fan club.
DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
#
Bangladesh government strongly criticized the indiscriminate attacks and killing by the Israeli troupes in Gaza. The condemnation came at the regular cabinet meeting on July 14 held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It also labeled the killing of a huge number of innocent people, including women and children, there by the Israeli military as a clear violation of human rights. The ruling party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Awami League (ALBD) called for international steps to stop the inhuman and heinous attack on the Palestinians. In a statement on July 13, General Secretary of the Party said diplomatic efforts are needed to put an end to the attack.
Bangladesh Awami League