Norway interested in investing in Bangladesh: Envoy

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen Wednesday said Norwegian businessmen are interested in investing in various sectors of Bangladesh that have potential.

He said there is a huge demand for Bangladesh-made garments in Norway, and Norwegian businessmen would take steps to increase bilateral trade and investment.

In a virtual meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, the Norwegian ambassador added that Norway has invested heavily in Bangladesh's telecommunication sector.

The incentives Bangladesh offers to investors are very attractive, he commented. 

Tipu said Bangladesh itself is a big market while nearby China and India are also big markets for various products. Goods manufactured in Bangladesh have the opportunity to be exported to these countries.

Besides, it is possible to manufacture world-class products here at comparatively low cost owing to cheap but skilled manpower, said the commerce minister. 

He said Norwegian businessmen would benefit if they invest in Bangladesh.

The minister said Bangladeshi-made garments are being exported to Norway. There are also scopes for exporting pharmaceuticals, ceramic products, furniture, frozen fish, leather and light engineering products.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh exported goods worth $68 million to Norway in the last fiscal year while importing products worth $52 million.