United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called on Switzerland to increase investment in Bangladesh and expand bilateral trade to accelerate the country’s economic growth. He made the call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the president praised the contributions of reputed Swiss companies operating in Bangladesh and emphasised the need to increase Swiss investment in various promising sectors. “Bangladesh now wants substantial investment rather than aid,” he said, highlighting the country’s vast potential. He said increased investment would create employment opportunities and help Bangladesh progress faster. The president also praised Switzerland’s local government system and expressed interest in drawing on the country’s experience to make Bangladesh’s local government institutions more effective and stronger. He sought Switzerland’s cooperation in this regard and the Ambassador assured him of his country’s support. Mirza Fakhrul also appreciated Switzerland’s cooperation in strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and parliamentary processes. The meeting also discussed cooperation in addressing climate change, skills development, cultural exchanges, technical education, and research. The president’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Diepak Elmer were present at the meeting. They discussed various aspects of the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and other important issues, including reforms and good governance, said the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka. The Ambassador congratulated the President on assuming office and conveyed Switzerland’s intention to focus more on bilateral trade, investment and knowledge cooperation, as well as to cooperate closely on shared priorities such as democracy and multilateralism.