2 UAE businesses keen to invest in health, tourism

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. File photo

Two UAE business giants -- Lulu Group International and NMC -- yesterday expressed their keen interest in investing in Bangladesh's different sectors, including healthcare, hotel and tourism.

Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group Yusuff Ali and Founder and Chairman of NMC BR Shetty expressed their eagerness during separate meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite in Abu Dhabi.

Briefing reporters after the meetings, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the Lulu Group chairman mentioned that Bangladesh has emerged as a very potential area for investment in the tourism and hyper-shopping mall sectors.

Yusuff sought land in Dhaka and adjacent areas for the construction of the infrastructures.

Ihsanul said the Lulu Group has planned to construct a shopping mall which will create employment for about 5,000 people. It will have a convention centre and parking facility for 3,000 vehicles.

Yusuff highlighted some of the projects implemented by his group in different countries.

The PM said Bangladesh was ready to welcome foreign investment for its development. She assured the Lulu Group of land allocation and urged them to visit Bangladesh to have first-hand experience for implementing their business plans.

Hasina called upon the Lulu Group chief to set up food processing industries and invest in the special economic zones in Bangladesh.

She said Bangladesh offers attractive packages and facilities, including duty-free regime, for foreign investors.

BR Shetty showed interest in expanding its humanitarian activities and healthcare services in Bangladesh based on the company's policy – “free treatment, quality, affordability and ethical practice”.

The PM welcomed the interest of the NMC Group and urged them to come up with a proposal for construction of hospitals for treatment of cancer and cardiac problems.

The NMC chairman said they would visit Bangladesh to talk to the officials for executing the plans.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Imran Ahmad and Principal Secretary to the PM Md Nojibur Rahman were present.

EXPATRIATES MEET PM

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting at St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi, Hasina yesterday said the Awami League government would surely fulfill people expectations for which they voted it to power for the third consecutive term.

She was addressing a group of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates. The Bangladesh embassy in the UAE organised the programme.

The PM said the people of the country, especially youths and women, spontaneously cast votes for the AL. “People put their trust and faith in us as they witnessed tremendous development in the country in the last 10 years.”

Hasina reiterated her firm stance against terrorism, militancy, drugs and corruption. “The government will do whatever is needed to eliminate these social menaces.”

She urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to abide by the laws of the respective countries they were living in.

She said the expatriates should remain careful so the country's image does not get tarnished in any way because of their activities.

The expatriates contributed a lot to the country's economic development, the PM added. She also requested them to invest in Bangladesh.

Stare Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Imran Ahmed, among others, also spoke on the occasion.