Korean envoy calls for stronger NEIR enforcement to protect local manufacturing
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Jijoon Kim has urged the government to step up enforcement of the National Equipment Identity Register to curb illegal mobile phone imports and ensure a level playing field for local manufacturers.
He made the call during a visit to Fair Electronics' Samsung manufacturing facility in Shibpur, Narsingdi, today, where he reaffirmed the Republic of Korea's commitment to Bangladesh's industrial development.
Accompanied by Managing Director Jungmin Jung of Samsung Bangladesh, Ambassador Jijoon Kim described Fair Electronics as a successful example of Bangladesh-Republic of Korea cooperation in technology transfer, local manufacturing and industrial development.
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"Bangladesh has tremendous manufacturing potential. With its hardworking workforce, supportive policies and Korean technology, the country can emerge as a regional manufacturing hub," the ambassador said.
He emphasised the need for effective implementation and enforcement of the National Equipment Identity Register system to prevent duty evasion, discourage illegal mobile phone imports and promote local manufacturing and investment.
Chairman Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub of Fair Group; Director Mutassim Daiaan of Fair Group; and senior officials from Fair Group and Samsung Bangladesh welcomed the delegation.
Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub said Fair Group remained committed to strengthening Bangladesh's manufacturing sector through global partnerships and technology transfer.
He urged the government to take stronger action against grey-market and unofficial mobile phone imports, saying that a supportive policy environment would accelerate local manufacturing, boost government revenue, attract investment and generate employment opportunities.
Managing Director Jungmin Jung of Samsung Bangladesh reaffirmed Samsung's long-term commitment to Bangladesh and its continued partnership with Fair Electronics to expand local manufacturing while maintaining global quality standards.
He also highlighted Samsung's artificial intelligence-powered connected ecosystem, which integrates Galaxy AI smartphones, artificial intelligence televisions and Bespoke home appliances through SmartThings.
During a media briefing, CMO Mohammed Mesbah Uddin of Fair Group outlined Samsung's journey in Bangladesh and Fair Electronics' transition from distribution to manufacturing.
Fair Group became Samsung's official distribution partner in 2014 and established a local manufacturing facility in 2017. It began producing Samsung smartphones locally in 2018, making Samsung the first global smartphone brand to manufacture mobile handsets in Bangladesh through Fair Electronics Ltd, the company said.
Director Daniel Rhee of MX Business at Samsung Bangladesh; Director Shahriar Bin Lutfor of Consumer Electronics Business at Samsung Bangladesh; Director Selim Reza of Fair Group; Head of Marketing JM Taslim Kabir of Fair Group; Head of Business Moshiur Rahman of Fair Electronics; Third Secretary Heon Cho at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea; and Senior Specialist for Political and Economic Affairs Jiwon Park at the embassy attended the event.
