Bangladesh–Fiji relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Fiji. Fiji recognized Bangladesh on January 31, 1972.[1] Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established in 2003.[2] Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. In 2013, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh urged the Fijian government to steer the country towards democracy.[3]
 | |
 Bangladesh |
 Fiji |
|---|---|
Agriculture
editBangladesh and Fiji are considering signing a memorandum of understanding on agricultural development through which Bangladesh will provide its agricultural technology to Fiji.[4]
Cultural relations
editIn 2014, Fiji signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bangladesh Rugby Union to help develop rugby in Bangladesh. The assistance is set to commence with the Fiji-Bangladesh Friendship Rugby tournament to be held in February 2015.[5]
Economic relations
editBoth Bangladesh and Fiji have shown deep interest in expanding the bilateral economic activities between the two countries. Because of the efficient business registration procedures in Fiji, Bangladeshi investors have shown their interest to invest in Fiji.[6] The textiles industries has been identified as a potential sector for Bangladeshi businessmen to invest in Fiji.[3] Other potential sectors include medical, information and communication technology.[3][7]
In 2007, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Fiji met with Fiji's Health Minister to discuss the bulk export of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals.[8]
In 2019, Bangladesh exported $2.61M to Fiji. The main products exported from Bangladesh to Fiji were apparel and knit, and pharmaceutical products. On the same year, Fiji exported $985k to Bangladesh. The main product exported from Fiji to Bangladesh was scrap iron.[9] Pran also exports consumer items to Fiji and a number of other pacific Islands.[10]
In the 2020-21 fiscal year, Bangladesh's exports to Fiji reached US$2.64million.[11]
Bangladeshis in Fiji
editAs of 2019, there were around 3,000 Bangladeshis living Fiji, mainly employed in the garments industry, hospitality and other service sectors.[12] In addition, there were at least 17,000 Bengali-speaking people who arrived in Fiji between 1879 and 1916 during the colonial rule.[13] In 2019 and 2021, some Bangladeshi expatriates complained about abuses in their work places and exploitation by their employers.[14][15]
References
edit- ^ Nurul Momen (1980). Bangladesh, the First Four Years: From 16 December 1971 to 15 December 1975. Bangladesh Institute of Law & International Affairs. p. 182.
- ^ "Fiji Government Online Portal - First Fiji Envoy To Bangladesh Presents Credentials To President" (Press release). Fiji.gov.fj. Retrieved 2014-01-23.
- ^ a b c "Fiji high commissioner meets FM". Banglanews24.com (Press release). 2013-09-15. Archived from the original on 2015-02-04. Retrieved 2015-02-01.
- ^ "Karan briefs Sheikh Hasina on developments in Fiji". Fiji Sun (Press release). MINFO. 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2014-01-23.
- ^ Mahmood, Raihan (2014-12-14). "Fiji to assist Bangladesh Rugby". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
- ^ "First Fiji Envoy To Bangladesh Presents Credentials To President". The Jet Newspaper (Press release). MINFO. 2013-11-01. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-01-23.
- ^ "Fijian premier greets new Bangladeshi envoy". Fiji Live. BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific - Political. 25 April 2002.
- ^ "Fiji shows interest in Bangladeshi pharma products, service sectors". The Financial Express (Press release). UNB. 2007-06-28. Archived from the original on 4 February 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
- ^ "Bangladesh Fiji". Observatory of Economic Complexity. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
- ^ "Pacific Islands go gaga over Pran". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ "Bangladesh - Fiji Trade Relation | Bangladesh High Commission Canberra". www.bhcanberra.com. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ "Fiji can be explored for manpower export, trade". The Financial Express. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Global Prayer Digest". www.globalprayerdigest.org. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Bangladeshis face 'exploitation, abuse' in Fiji". Prothom Alo. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Bangladeshi 5 Claim Abuse, Human Rights Body Notified". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 28 February 2022.