Dhaka seeks British investment in Bangladesh's SEZs, hi-tech parks

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has sought British investments in special economic zones (SEZs) and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh is now the most profitable place to invest. Investing in Bangladesh has now been made much easier, with Bangladesh offering several facilities for foreign investment," he was exchanging views with UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Bangladesh Affairs Rushanara Ali at his office in Dhaka on Monday.

The work of setting up 100 Special Economic Zones in important places in the country is progressing rapidly. The work of many of those is now at the final stage.  Besides, the work of 33 hi-tech parks is progressing rapidly, the minister elaborated.  

The minister further said Bangladesh has huge potential for investment in energy, railways, telecommunications, information technology, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, services, education and ready-made garments sectors where the British investors could avail such opportunities.

Noting that Bangladesh has a long-standing commercial and economic relationship with the UK, the minister said currently more than 200 British companies have invested about 2.5 billion US dollars in Bangladesh, reads a press release.  

The visiting British Trade Envoy, Rushanara Ali, said Britain wants to increase trade and investment in Bangladesh. If the complications are removed, British investment in Bangladesh will increase. Many British companies are working in Bangladesh with reputations.

"Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones have created opportunities for foreign investment and British investors are interested to invest in various sectors of Bangladesh, including education and service sectors," she added.

Rushanara Ali also opined that if bilateral trade increases between the two countries, then scopes would be created for the operations of cargo vessels.

Appraising highly the development of Bangladesh, she said, Made in Bangladesh is a popular band in the UK.

Mentioning the interest of British investors in Bangladesh's services, education, health, and aviation sectors, Rushanara Ali lays special emphasis on ensuring the protection of intellectual property.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce, including Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, and British High Commissioner to Dhaka Robert Chatterton Dickson were present in the delegation.