Newly appointed Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbransen on Wednesday said his country sees “great potential” in Bangladesh, with a huge consumer base, as a key market for trade and investment.

The ambassador met Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed several key areas of cooperation including trade and investment, Interim Government’s priorities, Rohingya issues, and climate change.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the shift of Bangladesh-Norway relations from development cooperation to trade-centric partnership.

The Foreign Secretary thanked Norway for its support, particularly in renewable energy, shipbuilding and ship recycling.

He made a special request for support in the smooth transition of Bangladesh to a developing country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassador said that Norway sees great potential in Bangladesh, with a huge consumer base, as a key market for trade and investment.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together for enhanced bilateral relations.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the interim government’s reform initiatives and sought cooperation for technical expertise, experience sharing, and support for the treatment and rehabilitation of the students injured during the mass uprising in July-August.

The Ambassador expressed support for these reform initiatives and committed to exploring broad areas where Norway could assist.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s efforts for hosting the Rohingyas, the Ambassador reaffirmed Norway's commitment to extend humanitarian assistance.

The Foreign Secretary thanked Norway for their assistance to the Rohingyas, highlighted the negative impacts on the host community and urged for a safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.