Invest in Bangladesh
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen called for French investment in Bangladesh -- with focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, waste management and ICT -- as he met French businessmen at the Bangladesh-France Economic Forum on Monday.
At the forum, organised by the Senate of France in Paris, Momen explained the advantages including economic zones, FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)-friendly regulations, one-stop services, ease of profit remittance and availability of skilled workforce in the country.
The minister highlighted the successes of Bangladesh in becoming a middle-income country and the roadmap to become a developed country, said a press release.
Representatives of the private sector from both Bangladesh and France, as well as from relevant government bodies such as Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and relevant French agencies attended the half-day event.
Momen is on a two-week visit to Europe that began on October 16 as Bangladesh is going ahead with economic diplomacy. He was in Germany before France and is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan, Italy and Greece before his return on October 30.
Earlier on Monday, the minister held a meeting with Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, state secretary, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.
He referred to already-successful French investments in Bangladesh, while inviting French delegations to assess the opportunities that Bangladesh offers to investors.
In the meeting with the French state secretary, Momen also requested France, along with other EU members, to exert pressure on Myanmar for the prompt repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Lemoyne informed Momen that he will lead a French business delegation to Bangladesh early next year.
Both sides also discussed the threats of climate change and agreed continuing to work closely to address the challenges.
Momen also requested France to help Bangladesh in skills development -- an area of investment that will create a pool of young and skilled workers.
NORDIC COUNTRIES PLEDGE SUPPORT
Nordic countries have pledged support to Bangladesh in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The statement came from ambassadors of the Nordic nations -- Denmark, Norway and Sweden -- that celebrated Nordic Day at the Nordic Club in the capital on Monday evening.
Some 400 guests from the Nordic community, representatives from Bangladesh and friends of the community from the private sector, civil society organisations, media and other diplomatic missions attended the event.
Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen said, ‘‘We share a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and to support other countries in achieving the goals.’’
Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken said Nordic companies represent a more sustainable and innovative way of doing business.
Swedish Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter emphasised on the importance of gender equality as a means to achieve SDGs.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque, who attended the event as chief guest, said Bangladesh has nearly qualified as a middle-income country, and the Nordic countries have helped the country and will continue to do the same in days to come.
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