Economy

Bangladesh-France sign bilateral instruments on infrastructure, satellite system

Update: 15:29, 11 September 2023

Dhaka and Paris have solidified their partnership by signing two pivotal bilateral agreements, further enhancing their cooperation across various domains, including infrastructure and satellite technology.

These significant accords were officially sealed during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and French President Emmanuel Macron, which took place at the Karobi Hall within the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka. The agreements are:
This agreement was established between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh and the France Development Agency (AFD) with a focus on the "Improvement of Urban Governance and Infrastructure Program." It signifies a commitment to enhance urban development and infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, fostering sustainable growth and efficient governance.
Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation:
This LOI was signed between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) and Airbus Defence and Space SAS of France, pertaining to the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to advancing satellite technology for Earth observation and related applications.
Prior to the signing of these agreements, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Emmanuel Macron engaged in fruitful discussions to explore new avenues of collaboration between their respective nations.
President Macron's visit to Dhaka marked a historic occasion, as he became the first French president to visit Bangladesh in over three decades. His visit followed his participation in the G20 summit held in New Delhi, India. President Macron's departure from Dhaka was scheduled for 2 pm on Monday.
The trade relationship between Bangladesh and France has seen remarkable growth, with bilateral trade surging from €210 million to €4.9 billion. France now stands as the fifth-largest destination for Bangladeshi exports, cementing the significance of this partnership in fostering economic prosperity for both nations.