Bangladesh-Korea cooperation key to expanding local manufacturing

Bangladesh has significant potential to become a regional manufacturing hub with the support of its hardworking workforce, favourable policies, and Korean technology, said South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Kim Ji-joon today.

He made the remarks after visiting the Samsung manufacturing facility of Fair Electronics in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi, according to a press release.

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The ambassador said Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector could achieve greater growth by leveraging technological advancement and strengthening collaboration between the two countries.

He also stressed the need for effective implementation and enforcement of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to prevent duty evasion and discourage illegal imports of mobile phones.

According to the ambassador, proper enforcement of the NEIR system would help create a level playing field for local manufacturers and investors by curbing unfair competition from illegally imported devices.

Kim reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to Bangladesh’s industrial development during his visit.

The ambassador, accompanied by Jungmin Jung, managing director of Samsung Bangladesh, described Fair Electronics as a successful example of Bangladesh-Korea cooperation in technology transfer, local manufacturing, and industrial development.

Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub, chairman of Fair Group, welcomed the delegation and said Fair Group remained committed to strengthening Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector through global partnerships and technology transfer.

He urged the government to take stronger measures against grey-market and unofficial mobile phone imports, noting that a supportive policy environment would accelerate local manufacturing, increase government revenue, attract new investment, and create more employment opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Jungmin Jung, managing director of Samsung Bangladesh, reaffirmed Samsung’s long-term commitment to Bangladesh and its continued partnership with Fair Electronics in expanding local manufacturing while maintaining Samsung’s global quality standards.

He highlighted Samsung’s AI-powered connected ecosystem, where Galaxy AI smartphones, AI TVs, and Bespoke home appliances connected through SmartThings deliver smarter, more connected, and more convenient experiences for consumers.

During the media briefing, Mohammed Mesbah Uddin, chief marketing officer of Fair Group, presented Samsung’s journey in Bangladesh, highlighting Fair Electronics’ transformation from a distribution company to a manufacturer and its contribution to sustainable industrial growth.

Fair Group became Samsung’s official distribution partner in 2014, established Samsung’s local manufacturing facility in 2017, and introduced Bangladesh’s first locally manufactured Samsung smartphones in 2018, making Samsung the first global smartphone brand to manufacture mobile handsets in Bangladesh through Fair Electronics Ltd.

Mutassim Daiaan, director of Fair Group; Daniel Rhee, director of MX Business at Samsung Bangladesh; Shahriar Bin Lutfor, director of consumer electronics business; Selim Reza, director of Fair Group; JM Taslim Kabir, head of marketing; Moshiur Rahman, head of business at Fair Electronics; Heon CHO, third secretary of the Korean embassy; Jiwon Park, senior specialist (political and economic affairs); and senior officials of Fair Group and Samsung Bangladesh, were also present.