Bangladesh to bridge between east-west for business: PM

DHAKA, Oct 26, 2021 (BSS) –

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the

businessmen who come to invest here would get the opportunity to avail the
market of South and Southeast Asia as Bangladesh will make a bridge between
east and west for expanding business.

   “In future, Bangladesh will be developed as a communication bridge between
East and West,” she said while inaugurating the weeklong “Bangladesh Trade
and Investment Summit-2021″ at Bangabandhu International Conference Center
(BICC).

  Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital as
the chief guest, the premier said different opportunities are being creating
in various ways keeping in mind the geographical location and importance of
Bangladesh.

  She opined, “Those who come to invest in Bangladesh will not only get
Bangladesh, I would say there will also be an ample opportunity (for them) to
capture the South Asia and Southeast Asian market and export”.

  The prime minister added it will further help expand trade and commerce in
the country.

Sheikh Hasina said the communication networks are being built all over the

country through improving water, rail, road and airways.

  Mentioning that, there was only one international airport in Dhaka in 1996,
she said after assuming office, Chattogram and Sylhet airports have been
turned into international ones while work is going on for another
international airport in tourist hub Cox’s Bazar.  

  “We are developing Syedpur airport as a regional one so that the
neighbouring countries can also use it,” she added.

  Speaking about the sea ports, Sheikh Hasina said they are improving
country’s principle Chattogram sea port, Mongla port and a new Payra port,
which will be developed as a deep sea port in future.

  Extensive development work is also being done at Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar
centring the new sea port, which will also turn into a deep sea port in
future, she added.

  As part of the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the country’s
Independence, Ministry of Commerce and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(DCCI) are jointly hosting this international virtual Summit.

  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Prime
Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, Commerce
Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers
of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin and President of DCCI
Rizwan Rahman also spoke at the ceremony.

  An audio-visual documentary on Bangladesh’s economic progress was screened.

  The summit includes nine sectors, underscoring critical enablers and
avenues of the economy, seeking massive investments especially in
Infrastructure (Physical, logistics and Energy), IT/ITES and FINTECH, Leather
goods, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive and Light Engineering, Plastic products,
Agro and Food Processing, Jute and Textiles and FMCG (Fast-moving consumer
goods) and retail business.

  A total of 552 companies from 38 countries along with Bangladesh of five
continents will participate in 450 business to business (B2B) match-making
sessions, which will help explore new business opportunities and attract FDI
in Bangladesh.

  Six webinars on different trade and investment related issues will be
organized, where representatives from the business community, experts from
local and international and Policy makers wil