Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh.
He said this when the newly appointed Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbransen, paid his first courtesy call on the foreign adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday morning.
The focus of the discussion centered around the strengthening of bilateral ties and increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the foreign adviser highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and welcomed Norwegian support to Bangladesh’s Interim Government.
He underscored the significant reform initiatives currently underway in the country, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance, and the economy.
The economy of Bangladesh is resilient, said Touhid.
He encouraged more Norwegian investment in Bangladesh, particularly in prospective sectors such as ICT, renewable energy, and electronics.
Read: Norway sees “great potential” in Bangladesh
He further pointed to the ongoing government efforts in improving the business environment, including the introduction of the effective ‘One Stop Service’ to facilitate foreign investments.
Ambassador Gulbransen, echoed the positive sentiment, stating that the relationship between the two nations has evolved from a development partnership to a more trade-centric one.
"Norway sees great potential in Bangladesh," he said.
He pointed out the significant presence of Telenor in the country, expressing a desire for enhanced business-to-business ties moving forward.
On the issue of human rights, Foreign Adviser Touhid reaffirmed the Interim Government’s commitment to improving protection. He said Bangladesh acceded to the ‘International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances’ in August and shared the news that Bangladesh had recently been elected Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Foreign Adviser assured the Norwegian Ambassador of the full support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in carrying out his duties and wished him a productive and successful tenure ahead.