KOTRA’s smart-city initiative: A new avenue for Korea-Bangladesh cooperation
Bangladesh should seize the growing interest of Korea’s Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in supporting new town development and smart-city initiatives. At a time when the country is experiencing rapid urbanisation and facing mounting pressure on housing, transport, water supply, waste management and energy systems, international expertise can play an important role in building sustainable and technology-driven cities.
Deputy Director of KOTRA Dhaka Lee Sung-hoon (Daniel Lee), in an interview with BSS, said KOTRA is currently working to facilitate Korean participation in Bangladesh's infrastructure and new town development projects.
KOTRA Dhaka’s decision to expand its activities beyond traditional trade and investment promotion is particularly encouraging. Its ongoing initiative to conduct feasibility studies for six infrastructure projects supporting new town development, with official development assistance (ODA) project worth about US$3.5 million, offers Bangladesh a valuable opportunity. Areas such as water supply, renewable energy, e-logistics and waste treatment are directly relevant to the challenges confronting Bangladesh’s growing urban centres.
Korea has considerable experience in developing smart and efficient urban infrastructure, integrating digital technologies with transport, energy, public services and environmental management. Its experience in other Asian cities can provide useful lessons for Bangladesh. More importantly, Korean companies possess technological expertise and implementation capacity that could complement Bangladesh’s own resources and development ambitions.
The relationship between the two countries also has a strong foundation. Korea’s contribution to the development of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry demonstrates how technology and knowledge transfer can produce lasting economic benefits. The training of Bangladeshi workers following Daewoo’s entry into the garment sector in 1978 helped spread industrial skills that contributed significantly to the growth of the country’s apparel industry. The Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram is another important symbol of the longstanding economic partnership.
Bangladesh must therefore look beyond simply attracting foreign investment. The greater objective should be to secure knowledge, technology, skills and institutional capacity that can strengthen the country’s development process. Cooperation in smart-city development can be an important part of this effort.
However, opportunities of this nature can easily be lost if Bangladesh fails to prepare properly. In the past, various opportunities for cooperation with foreign governments and organisations have not produced the expected results because of weak project planning, inadequate coordination and bureaucratic delays. Such shortcomings must not be allowed to undermine cooperation with KOTRA.
The authorities should establish clear priorities for new town and smart-city development, prepare bankable project proposals and ensure effective coordination among relevant ministries and agencies. Feasibility studies should lead to concrete projects rather than remain confined to reports. Transparent procurement, timely decision-making and strong monitoring will also be essential.
KOTRA’s expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, AI, ICT, green projects and urban development should be welcomed. Bangladesh should make full use of this opportunity while ensuring that cooperation serves national interests.
Smart cities cannot be created merely by installing digital technologies. They require sound planning, efficient institutions, sustainable infrastructure and skilled people. With proper preparation and effective implementation, Korean expertise can help Bangladesh build urban centres that are cleaner, greener, more connected and better prepared for the future.
