PM seeks more UAE investment

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the United Arab Emirates business community to invest largely in Bangladesh Social Economic Zones and high-tech parks particularly in readymade garments (RMG), leather, jute, food, ICT and ITES (IT Enabled Services).

“Our financial markets are now ready to support advanced private equity and fin-tech solutions. The Digital Bangladesh that we had aspired for almost twelve years ago - is now a reality. I, therefore, invite you to come and partner with us,” she said.

The prime minister was addressing the Joint Business Council (JBC) organised by the business communities of Bangladesh and UAE at the Virtual Meeting Room in the place of her residence here.

Spelling out various measures taken by her government to create a conducive environment for foreign investments, she said, “I assure you all that Bangladesh is now a land of lucrative opportunities.” The prime minister said Bangladesh is moving fast in urbanisation, industrialisation, and in increasing tele-density to connect individuals to governance, innovation and markets.

“Our aim is to connect our factors of production seamlessly into the global markets,” she said.

She also said that Bangladesh offers a huge domestic market of more than 168 million people, adding, “Our population is young, energetic, and ambitious.”

She said Bangladesh’s disposable income is rising faster than many comparable countries for her government’s deep and wide innovations in agriculture and extension, productivity and remittance.

The Business Forum was held at the DP World pavillion in the Dubai 2020 expo venue.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman F Rahman, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, Chairman of the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdulla Mohamned Al Mazrouei also spoke on the occasion.

Later, an MoU was signed between the FBCCI and the UAE Chambers to establish a Joint Business Council between the two countries.

FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdulla Mohammed Al Mazrouei signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.