British PM’s trade envoy Rushanara due Saturday

British Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Bangladesh Rushanara Ali, MP, arrives here on Saturday night to discuss how trade and investment ties between the two countries can be strengthened further.

Confirming the visit, a Foreign Ministry official told reporters that her visit will start officially on Sunday.

A trade delegation of nine UK railway companies, led by Rushanara Ali, visited Bangladesh in September last, showcasing UK expertise in the railway sector, according to UNB report.

The cross-party Trade Envoy programme was established in 2012 to build bilateral trade relationships and help drive economic growth in countries identified as key markets for the UK.

The two-way trade between Bangladesh and the UK stands at £2.3b, officials said adding that the UK has strong business interests in Bangladesh as it remains the largest foreign investor.

Over 100 British companies are operating in sectors like retail, banking, energy, infrastructure, consultancy and education with main centres of operation in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet.

The UK is also the third single largest destination for exports from Bangladesh.