Special Correspondent –
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka in partnership with the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Dhaka office, jointly organized the K-CSR Seminar 2023: “Korean Investors CSRs Activities and Investment Outlooks” on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Bangladesh.
Mr. Lokman Hossain Miah, Executive Chairman of BIDA graced the event as Chief Guest. H.E. Mr. Park Young-sik, Ambassador, Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, Mr. Jahangir Saadat, President of KEPZ, Ms. Shahamin S. Zaman, CEO, CSR Centre, Mr. M. Jashim Uddin Khan, Director of BIDA, Mr. Shahab Uddin Khan, President of KBCCI, Mr. Reazul Karim Lotus, President of DCAB, Mr. Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha, President of ERF and Mr. Sam Soo Kim, Country Director of KOTRA also attended the event.
In his welcoming remark, Ambassador Park Young-sik said that building on the achievements of the past 50 years, both Korea and Bangladesh are committed to forging a brighter and more prosperous future for our nations. As we celebrate this significant milestone in our diplomatic relations, we must acknowledge the vital role that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays in this journey. CSR is not just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate. Korean investors in Bangladesh have exemplified this commitment, making a positive impact on society through various CSR initiatives. From sharing advanced technologies to promoting education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and more, Korean companies have been instrumental in Bangladesh’s social development. One notable example is Youngone, which actively promotes women’s rights and provides quality education, hygiene, healthcare, and childcare services. Samsung R&D, on the other hand, focuses on human capital development in the ICT sector, nurturing students’ problem-solving skills and supporting research at institutions like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
“BIDA is very happy that South Korean investors are interested in increasing their activities in Bangladesh. More Korean investments in high-value manufacturing and services can help us become ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. Your world-class technology, productivity, and management skills are exactly what we need. I assure you that BIDA will ensure your smooth entry, operation, and growth in Bangladesh,” said Mr. Lokman Hossain Miah, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary), of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, the country’s apex Investment Promotion Agency under the Prime Minister’s Office.
After the remarks by the Chief, representatives from Youngone, Korea Expressway Corporation, LG, Samsung R&D, Dohwa Engineering, Samsung Electronics, Woori Bank, Samsung C&T Corporation, Korean RMG Contributor, and Save the Children presented their respective CSR activities.
After the presentations, the launching ceremony of the book K-CSR was held which describes the best CSR practices by Korean companies operating in Bangladesh, the conference revisited the importance of the private sector’s role in maintaining a balanced and sustainable society and promoted the strong bilateral commercial ties between Korea and Bangladesh.
