PM Sheikh Hasina seeks more Sri Lankan investment
GB news 24 desk//
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to invest more in Bangladesh availing themselves of numerous investment-friendly opportunities prevailing here for the mutual benefits of the two neighbouring countries.
She made the call when newly appointed Sri Lankan High Commissioner General AWJC De Silva met her at her Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office, reports UNB.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Prime Minister said the government is establishing 100 economic zones across the country for attracting more investment from home and abroad. “Lots of facilities have been offered for foreign investors in the country. Sri Lankan investors can avail themselves of those,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh gives importance to neighbouring countries as close cooperation among them will expedite the growth and development of the region. “Neighbours should cooperate with each other for poverty alleviation which will be good for all”.
She said Bangladesh exports potato and jute-made products to Sri Lanka while pharmaceutical products to 90 countries across the world.
The Prime Minister also assured the High Commissioner of extending cooperation in the agriculture sector.
She said Bangladesh welcomes Sri Lankan students like Bhutanese and Nepalese ones.
Talking about the Rohingya issue, she said this is a big burden on Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is in talks with the Myanmar government over the issue. “Myanmar has agreed to take back its nationals. But they are not acting accordingly,” she added.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner General AWJC De Silva highly appreciated the unique growth and development of Bangladesh, describing it as a phenomenal one.
He said Bangladesh is a preferred destination of Sri Lankan students for medical studies. Some 225 medical students from Sri Lanka are currently studying in Bangladesh, he said.
Besides, he said, many Sri Lankans are working in Bangladesh’s various sectors, including RMG.
The High Commissioner expressed his keen interest to boost cooperation with Bangladesh in the agriculture sector.
About the free trade agreement to be signed between the two neighbouring countries, he said the initiative has already been mooted in this regard.
The envoy also conveyed greetings of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to Sheikh Hasina.
