Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has called on the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) leaders to help attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to Bangladesh. He had a courtesy meeting with BBCCI – which works in close cooperation with agencies specialised in Bangladeshi business, the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK, the British High Commission in Dhaka, the UK's Department for International Trade, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other local chambers – at a London hotel Sunday. "Bangladesh's biggest strength is its human resources, which can be exported abroad to earn foreign currencies and raise people's standard of living. But for this to happen, we will have to turn our human resources into skilled ones," Momen said. Read: Your democracy is for you to develop: Doraiswami He assured them of all the required support in setting up catering institutes in the country to meet the great demand for skilled people in the UK's catering sector. Momen also called on them to invest in Bangladesh's health and agriculture. Replying to a question from BBCCI President Sayedur Rahman Ranu, he said the government will do what it takes to stop the harassment of expatriates, especially those from the Middle East, at the airport. He also talked about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's instruction to launch the cargo service of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. BBCCI Director General AKM Nurujjaman, Finance Director Ataur Rahman Kuti, former president advisor emeritus Shahagir Bakth Faruk, ex-president Bashir Ahmed, and Director and Advisor Shafiqul Islam were also present at the meeting. Momen, the chief patron of BBCCI, is now in the UK as a member of Sheikh Hasina's entourage.    

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has called upon the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) to help Bangladesh draw more foreign investment; project a positive image and protect the interests of the country internationally. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan urged the association to explore more trade and investment opportunities and areas of cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh. Read: BGMEA calls for investment in high value-added, non-cotton textile Faruque made the call during a meeting with BBCCI President Bashir Ahmed, who paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office in the capital Thursday. The BGMEA president sought the BBCCI's support in encouraging British businessmen, including Bangladeshis living in the UK, to invest in different potential sectors of Bangladesh such as high value-added and non-cotton textile. He also urged the BBCCI to encourage the Bangladeshi community in the UK to give preference to garments made in Bangladesh during their shopping and also present them as gifts to their foreign friends. Read:BGMEA for improving nutritional status of workers to boost efficiency, productivity  It would not only increase demand for Bangladeshi apparel in the UK market but also contribute to promoting the "Made in Bangladesh'' brand among the British citizens, he added. BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali, BBCCI North East Region President Mahtab Miah, Bengal Dutch International Managing Director GR Choudhury and Asian Tiger Capital Partners Chairman Ifty Islam were also present.