The European Union (EU) Ambassador Charles Whiteley paid a courtesy call on Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu on Monday, January 22 at the office of the ministry. The ambassador expressed his interest in investing in various sectors including the IT and pharmaceutical sectors of Bangladesh. He further mentioned that the facilities provided by the Bangladesh government for foreign investment are really commendable.
In the meeting, the Minister of State for Commerce said that Bangladesh is working with special importance on export diversification. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions to advance the jute and jute products and leather products sector.
Besides, the Prime Minister declared handicrafts as the product of the year 2024. He urged the EU and the UK to invest in these sectors. In addition to jute and leather products, he put stress on pharmaceuticals especially in the API sector, agro processing, sea food, light engineering, health, bicycles, frozen food, agricultural products and emphasized on working in joint ventures to increase efficiency and capacity and improve quality.
He said that import and export policies are being modernized by removing trade and regulatory barriers to expand trade and foreign investment in the country. Besides, he said that Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is creating a favorable environment for investment in various sectors of the country and providing one-stop service to investors.
During the meeting, the Minister of State for Commerce sought the cooperation of the European Union for the necessary support for the position of less developed countries, including Bangladesh, in the ministerial conference organized by the World Trade Organization to be held in Abu Dhabi on February 26-29.
Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh and senior officials were present in the meeting.
