Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday invited more Swedish investment, saying the interim government is carrying out vital reforms to ensure ease in doing business in the country. Dr Yunus made the request when Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks met him at his Tejgaon office. "We encourage more Swedish investment in Bangladesh," the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said, adding that his government has curbed corruption, made investment in export processing zones easier, and moved to ratify ILO conventions on labour laws. Ambassador Weeks said his government supports the Yunus-led interim government and its move to reform the police, judiciary, election commission and civil administration.   "Let me assure you that you have our full support in this transition," Weeks said. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised During the meeting, they also discussed different aspects of the July-August revolution, the government's reform initiatives, Swedish investment in Bangladesh, and women's role in the mass uprising. Mentioning that the key word of the revolution was ‘reform’, Prof Yunus said his government is determined to carry out reforms before holding elections. Bangladesh plays "pivotal role" in advancing SAARC process, says its SG The Chief Adviser said the situation in the country has stabilised, although some challenges remain, including managing high expectations, from various groups in the society.  "Managing expectations is a big task. We are trying, but we are very careful." Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and principal coordinator of the SDG Affairs, and Shahnaz Gazi, Director General of the foreign ministry, were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) called for more Swedish investment in various sectors of Bangladesh, particularly in ICT and Economic Zones, and reap the benefits. The Prime Minister made the call when a Swedish Delegation led by CEO and President of world-renowned clothing company H&M, Helena Helmersson, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Chief Financial Officer of H&M Adam Karlsson were also in the delegation. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters. Read more: Saudi Arabia wants to make large-scale investment in Bangladesh: Saudi ministers tell PM Hasina Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has its own economic policy and targeted plan on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare and on creating employment opportunities. She mentioned that the government wants to expand the export basket to further strengthen the economy of the country. During the meeting, Helena Helmersson mentioned that Sweden has had special relations with Bangladesh for the last three decades and said, they want to carry forward the business with Bangladesh. The CEO and President of H&M highly appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and lauded the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Read more: More cooperation may attract more US investment in diversified segments, hopes AmCham President In response, the Prime Minister also appreciated the Swedish Company as they did not cancel their orders during the pandemic. As Helena Helmersson pointed out the climate change issue describing it as very important, Sheikh Hasina said, her government is carrying out mitigation programmes on its own fund. In this regard, the Prime Minister noted that her government is aware about climate change and is working on this issue. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government’s achievements in women empowerment and gender equality in the country. Read more: Bangladesh has an amazing growth trajectory amid investment opportunities: German Diplomat Prime Minister’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.