EC/Bangladesh agreement: cooperation agreement on partnership and development

PURPOSE : to conclude the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the people's Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Decision 2001/332/EC concerning the conclusions of the Co-operation agreement between the European Community and the people's Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development. CONTENT : this Agreement is concluded for a period of 5 years. It shall be automatically renewed on a basis unless one of the Parties denounces it at least 6 months before the expiry date. Actions specifically targeting the poorest sections of the population shall be founded on respect for human rights and democratic principles. The principal objectives of this Agreement are to enhance and develop the various aspects of cooperation between the Parties in the areas which fall within the bounds of their respective competences, with the following aims: 1) to support the sustainable economic and social development of Bangladesh and particularly of the poorest sections of its population, with special emphasis on women, taking into account Least Developed Country Status and the enhanced attention and cooperation in the field of HIV and drug control; 2) to secure the conditions for and to promote the increase and development of two-way trade between the Parties in accordance with the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and to assist Bangladesh in diversifying its productive potential; 3) to promote investment and economic, technical and cultural links in their mutual interest; 4) to pursue equilibrium between policies for sustainable economic growth, social development and protection and conservation of the natural environment. Other areas of cooperation are also included such as regional cooperation, the cooperation in science and technology, drug precursor chemicals and money laundering, human resource development, information and culture and communication. The Agreement also involves an evolutive clause which allows the Parties to expand this Agreement with a view to enhancing the level of cooperation and add to it by means of agreements on specific sectors or activities. In addition, a Joint Commission shall be set up to ensure the proper functioning and implementation of the Agreement. Furthermore, the Joint Commission may also set up specialised subgroups to assist in the performance of its tasks. It is worth noting that 2 annexes exist, the first concerning intellectual, industrial and commercial property and the second concerning the effectiveness of the cooperation with third countries to facilitate the readmission of nationals of the latter who are present illegally in the territory of a Member State. (Bangladesh undertakes to conclude readmission agreements with the Member States of the European Union which so request). ENTRY INTO FORCE : 01/03/2001.�