UK keen to invest in higher education 

United Kingdom (UK) Tuesday has expressed interest to invest in the education sector of Bangladesh.

The British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson made the discloser during a courtesy call to Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman. 

Informing that the UK Universities are keen to invest in Bangladesh's higher education sector in a format of cross border higher education, the British envoy, however, raised the issue of obstacles, saying, "But to expedite it policy guidelines or regulations need to be effective."

"Besides, a trade-talk between Bangladesh and UK is scheduled from the next week to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues, informed the High Commissioner.

The British HC and the business leader discussed various bilateral issues relating to trade and commerce. 

At the meeting, Rahman said the UK is the third-largest investor in Bangladesh and also the third largest export destination of Bangladesh. In 2019-20, Bangladesh exported goods worth $3.45 billion to the UK against the import of $411 million.

Rahman said that UK is the second largest export destination for locally developed software.

In 2019-20, imported 13% of country's total software exports which is third in terms of overall export.

Appreciating the UK government for continuing duty free access to Bangladesgh even after the Brexit, he urged the UK to consider establishing a country-specific economic zone in Bangladesh.

The British HC Robert Chatterton Dickson, in his speech, said that Bangladesh has done a commendable progress in all aspects of fundamental and human development. Economy, health, financial sector, higher education and FINTECH are some of the potential sectors in Bangladesh to attract investments, he added. 

He disclosed that a good number of British companies are in operation here in Bangladesh and they are doing well. Regarding attracting more FDI, he suggested more competitive efforts and strengthening of business friendly environment on a level playing field.

Highlighting skill development and quality education for the young generation especially as per the need of industry. 
Team Leader, Economic Growth and Private Sector Development and Senior PSD Adviser of British High Commission Mahesh Mishra, DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin, FCS, FCA and Vice President Monowar Hossain were also present during the meeting.