Government-sponsored 100 economic zones in Bangladesh are attracting more Turkish investment to come with their new investments, said outgoing Turkish ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan on Tuesday.
He came up with the remark while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the morning on Tuesday.
PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the meeting.
He said that the Turkish Ambassador mentioned that already two companies of his country invested $850 million this year in the economic zones.
“The unprecedented infrastructural development of Bangladesh, especially the establishment of 100 economic zones, is attracting Turkish investors in Bangladesh,” the envoy was quoted as saying by Nazrul.
The Prime Minister requested the outgoing ambassador to encourage more Turkish investment in Bangladesh to further cement the excellent bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
“We have historical and cultural ties,” she said.
She also said that both countries could establish cooperation in the defence sector apart from economic and social cooperation.
She emphasises on holding the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Bangladesh to hold dialogue about the enhancement of business and trade between the two countries.
The last Commission meeting was held in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2019.
The Turkish envoy mentioned that his country is interested to cooperate in the defence sector.
The Prime Minister requested Turkey to put pressure on Myanmar for taking back Rohingya as more than 1 million Rohingya have become a serious burden for Bangladesh.
In reply, the ambassador assured the PM of his country’s continuous support.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting.
Hasina said Bangladesh wants more Turkish cooperation including in investment and business areas to face the challenges ahead as the country is in the process of graduating from the LDC status in 2026.
The envoy sought a suitable place in Bangladesh for establishing a super specialised hospital.
In response, the Prime Minister said it could be in Purbachal or somewhere near the Padma Bridge to ensure improved health care services for the people of the country’s southern region.
The Turkish Ambassador highly praised the idea of the Prime Minister on establishing a Smart Bangladesh.
He said that Turkey will extend its cooperation in this regard, and the idea will also be subscribed in Turkey.
He further said that there are more areas like tourism and education where cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey could be further expanded.
Turan hoped that Hasina will form the government again after being re-elected in the next general election.