Shama Obaed Islam urges France to increase investment in Bangladesh's key sectors

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today emphasized the need for continued interaction between Bangladesh and the US business community to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Bangladesh and Singapore have expressed hope for the early conclusion of a proposed bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring the need for stronger business-to-business engagement to deepen trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Egypt's ambassador to Bangladesh has expressed keen interest in strengthening industrial and investment ties with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia reaffirm commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with a focus on economic, investment, and business cooperation.

Bangladesh and Türkiye have expressed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and defence sectors, while collaborating on regional issues of mutual interest.

Bangladesh and India are working to enhance their economic partnership by addressing trade barriers, easing visa processes, and promoting joint ventures in infrastructure and technology.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today urged Hong Kong-based Bangladeshi businessmen to invest in Bangladesh and help expand trade ties.

US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen met with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir to discuss ways to increase US investment in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Bhutan have agreed to enhance bilateral trade and private sector cooperation, potentially leading to a Free Trade Agreement.

A forthcoming consumer inflation report could lead the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates for the first time in over three years.

The government has repaid a record US$2.0476 billion in principal and interest on foreign loans in just five months after the BNP government took office.

The Cabinet has approved customs duty and tax exemptions for solar equipment imports and a new investment agreement with Hong Kong.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has assured that the country’s gas supply situation will return to normal within a few days due to increased imports.

Bangladesh's overall inflation rate slightly decreased to 8.26 percent in August, driven by lower food inflation.

Despite the challenges posed by legacy loans, the Bangladeshi government is successfully servicing its foreign debt.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced comprehensive government support for farmers, including loan waivers and soft credit terms.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the annual foreign exchange entitlement for Bangladeshi citizens travelling abroad to $18,000 from $12,000.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam visited the Rajshahi Silk Factory, touring production activities and receiving a briefing on industry development.

Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Labour and Employment, emphasizes sustainable security, dignity, and fair opportunities for working people in Bangladesh.

Nearly half of the industrial plots planned for the Jashore Export Processing Zone (EPZ) have been prepared for allocation to investors as the development of the new industrial hub in the country's southwestern region progresses rapidly.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported robust job growth in August, adding 162,000 jobs and maintaining the unemployment rate at 4.1 percent.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized the need for stronger Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, particularly in trade, investment, and education.

The United Nations reports that over 2,000 people have fled to Djibouti due to escalating conflict in Yemen.

A Russian drone reportedly struck a Warsaw-bound train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, causing no casualties.

Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is set to join Neymar at Santos, reuniting the Brazilian duo.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the company will not go public in 2026 due to safety concerns over artificial intelligence.

Leaders from China, Russia, and India, among others, are meeting at the BRICS summit to discuss economic cooperation and global growth.

China's President Xi Jinping has proposed the creation of an open-source AI zone for BRICS nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping departed from New Delhi on Sunday following a two-day BRICS summit and talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Iraqi authorities have announced the reopening of three key border crossings with Iran following a drone attack that targeted a Saudi pipeline.

A ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and three injuries, as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate.

Polling stations opened Sunday in Sweden in what is expected to be a close general election that will see either the far right enter government for the first time or the left-wing opposition reclaim power.

A ferry accident in Indonesia resulted in one fatality and the rescue of 102 passengers.

Hong Kong is set to demolish homes and natural areas to build a vast tech hub aimed at economic integration with mainland China.

Nepali hydropower worker Sanjay Sah recounts his harrowing 10-day survival in a flooded tunnel, a rare beacon of hope amid a disaster that claimed over 1,400 lives.

Laos, known as the 'Battery of Southeast Asia,' faces frequent power outages as it exports a significant portion of its electricity to neighboring countries.

South Africa defeated New Zealand 43-28 in the fourth and final Test match to secure a 3-1 series victory.

Lida Moniava, a prominent Russian charity leader aiding sick and disabled children, faces years in prison for spreading 'false information' about the Russian army.

Chilean authorities arrested 284 individuals during demonstrations against Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, marking a significant increase from the previous year.