Korea and Bangladesh on Tuesday reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), Seoul's industry ministry said Tuesday, as Seoul seeks to expand its presence in the South Asian market. The agreement was reached during talks between Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The agreement in principle means the two sides have concluded negotiations on the main provisions of the pact, while remaining technical issues will be finalized through working-level consultations. A CEPA is a type of free trade agreement that promotes broader economic cooperation beyond market liberalization, including investment and other areas of economic collaboration. The two countries launched CEPA negotiations in November 2024 and reached the agreement after five rounds of formal talks. The ministry said the agreement is expected to provide South Korea with a stronger foothold in the promising South Asian market, improve market access for Korean co