Implementation Management of Embassy MOUs Linked to Summit Economic Diplomacy
This is part of KOTRA's policy support work to manage the implementation status of economic cooperation MOUs signed during the Korea-Bangladesh summit. To ensure that summit economic diplomacy delivers tangible business outcomes, KOTRA headquarters and overseas trade offices jointly track and manage follow-up measures under each MOU. This article reports the implementation status of MOUs under the Dhaka Trade Office as of July 2025.
5
MOUs Under Management
Dhaka Trade Office scope
2023-2024
Signing Period
Summit-linked
2
Completed
40%
2
In Progress
Follow-up underway
1
Delayed
Local conditions
Jul 2025
Reporting Point
Semiannual review
Portfolio of MOUs and Current Status
Implementation Status of MOUs Managed by the Dhaka Trade Office (July 2025)
| MOU | Signed | Parties | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOU-1 | Nov 2023 | KOTRA-BEZA | Development of a Korea-dedicated economic zone | In progress (site selection) |
| MOU-2 | Nov 2023 | KBCCI-FBCCI | Cooperation between chambers of commerce | Completed |
| MOU-3 | Jun 2024 | KOTRA-BOI | Joint investment promotion roadshow | Completed |
| MOU-4 | Jun 2024 | KITA-BGMEA | Textile and apparel B2B matching | In progress (3rd round) |
| MOU-5 | Jun 2024 | KOTRA-BEPZA | Support for Korean companies in EPZs | Delayed (regulatory changes) |
Detailed Progress by MOU
01
MOU-1: Korea-Dedicated Economic Zone (In Progress)
This MOU between KOTRA and BEZA concerns the development of a Korea-dedicated economic zone. Three candidate sites near Chittagong have been shortlisted, and feasibility studies are underway. The current target is to finalize the site by the end of 2025 and begin basic infrastructure construction in the first half of 2026. The plan is to attract at least 10 Korean manufacturing companies to the zone.
02
MOU-2: Cooperation Between Bilateral Chambers of Commerce (Completed)
This is a regular cooperation MOU between KBCCI and FBCCI, covering two joint seminars per year, business matching programs, and coordinated responses to trade issues. Implementation was completed through four joint seminars held in 2024-2025 and 80 business matching cases.
03
MOU-3: Joint Investment Promotion Roadshow (Completed)
Under this MOU, KOTRA and the BOI jointly organize investment roadshows in Korea. Events were held in Seoul in October 2024 and in Busan in March 2025, introducing Bangladesh's investment environment to 120 Korean companies. Five letters of investment intent were secured, completing the implementation target.
04
MOU-4: Textile and Apparel B2B Matching (In Progress)
This B2B matching MOU between KITA and BGMEA provides for four online and offline matching rounds per year. By July 2025, the third round had been completed, producing 45 consultations in total, with 12 cases converting into actual deals. The fourth round is scheduled for November 2025.
Implementation Challenges and Response Measures
Reason for Delay in MOU-5
CauseBEPZA regulatory changes
IssueStricter EPZ tenant conditions
ImpactReduced support scope for Korean firms
Expected ResolutionQ4 2025
Response Measures
BEPZA ConsultationFormal request for regulatory relief
Alternative ReviewPossible shift to SEZs under BEZA
HQ SupportUse of diplomatic channels
Next UpdateInterim report in October
Summit
MOU signing
→↓
Implementation Plan
Trade office action plan
→↓
Semiannual Monitoring
Progress review
→↓
Issue Management
Respond to delays and changes
→↓
Reporting
Report to HQ and MOFA
→↓
Completion
Measure and evaluate outcomes
2025 Trade Office Performance 2026 Keyword SubmissionAn evaluation framework that reflects MOU implementation results
Collection of North Korea Information for Q1 and Q3 2025Related work within broader policy support functions
As of July 2025, among the five summit-linked MOUs managed by the Dhaka Trade Office, two have been completed, two are under implementation, and one is delayed. The Korea-dedicated economic zone project (MOU-1) and textile and apparel B2B matching program (MOU-4) remain the key live initiatives, while the delayed MOU-5 is being reviewed with alternatives including a possible shift toward SEZ-based support.
MOUeconomic diplomacysummitimplementation managementKOTRA
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