Foreign minister leaves for Europe
Economic diplomacy in focus
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday began his visit to a number of European countries, as Bangladesh lays importance to boosting its export to the European market, with diversification of products as part of its economic diplomacy.
The minister, who left for Berlin yesterday morning, will also visit France, Italy and Greece. “We want to boost export and diversity,” he said, adding that he will also raise the Rohingya issue in his meetings in the European countries.
Dr Momen will be in Germany until October 19, where he will also have a meeting with his German counterpart, a senior official said.
President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Dr Rubana Huq is also visiting Berlin. “Germany happens to be the single biggest importer. So it’s important,” she told the news agency before her departure yesterday morning.
Bangladesh also seeks German and French companies’ investment in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and high-tech parks, being developed by the government.
From Berlin, the foreign minister will visit Paris on October 20-22, and attend an economic forum, apart from other engagements. The forum will be organised by the French Senate, which representatives of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are also expected to attend.
The minister will visit Rome on October 27 and Athens on October 28-29, a ministry official told the news agency.
Dr Momen will join the 18th NAM ministerial meeting on October 23-24 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The foreign minister will return home on October 30.