Formal announcement over vaccine coproduction soon: Foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said that they will hopefully be able to make a formal announcement soon on vaccine coproduction in Bangladesh as there has been progress in the ongoing negotiation.

He, however, said it is up to them (vaccine-manufacturing countries) to choose local pharmaceutical companies for vaccine coproduction in Bangladesh.

"They'll come and see the capacity after necessary inspection," Dr Momen told reporters at state guesthouse Padma.

He said there will be no vaccine crisis in the country once coproduction begins. "Hopefully, we'll become exporter of vaccines (after meeting domestic demand)."

He attended a programme where Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) leaders donated medicines to Palestine Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming yesterday said, a "very pragmatic" discussion is underway between Bangladesh and China on procurement of Covid-19 vaccine doses to meet Bangladesh's needs.

He also said there is a very "encouraging progress" between the two countries over coproduction of vaccines.

Asked about misunderstanding with China over price disclosure, Dr Momen said there is no problem anymore as Bangladesh acknowledged the unintentional mistake.

"There are many confidentialities in business and we -- the government -- are just a facilitator. We should abide by laws," he said, adding that they are in a good position in terms of discussions with China.

China will deliver the second consignment of vaccine doses to Bangladesh as gift by June 13.

Dr Momen said Bangladesh will send two special flights to bring the vaccines and other medical supplies.