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Bangladesh a lucrative destination for investors: Dr Momen


Published : 19 Oct 2019 10:03 PM | Updated : 26 Aug 2020 05:27 AM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen urged German businessmen to invest in Bangladesh as a wonderful business-friendly environment prevails here.  

“I’m urging you to take the advantage of our country’s demographic dividend and lucrative investment promotion packages for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” he told German businessmen while holding a meeting with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Berlin, Germany on Friday.

During the meeting, Dr. Momen also described Bangladesh’s financial and social improvement as a development miracle of the world, and called for Germen businesses to invest in Bangladesh.

Besides, AK Abdul Momen also called upon the German government to put pressure on Myanmar for creating a conducive environment for the return of the Rohingyas staying in Bangladesh who were forcibly displaced from their homeland.

Dr. Momen referred to the four points proposed by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the 74th UNGA last month, and urged German government and the international community to take effective steps to ensure that Myanmar Government takes back Rohingyas with safety, security and dignity in a sustainable manner. 

He also sought Germany’s support in ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed against Rohingyas by the Myanmar army at the backing of its government.

The whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries was discussed in the meeting. 

German development cooperation for Bangladesh and existing strong business relations between the two countries were noted at the meeting, including the implementation of e-passport by German company Veridos, and involvement of Siemens AG Germany in energy sector. 

While talking about global issues of mutual interest, Momen flagged the culture of peace resolution pursued and promoted by Bangladesh at the UN, and suggested that through practice of peaceful attitude and tolerance by states, most of the crises can be averted. 

German Foreign Minister appreciated the humanitarian position of Bangladesh in providing shelter to Rohingyas. 

He commended the economic and social development achieved by Bangladesh, and assured of support of Germany to Bangladesh in addressing the challenges of climate change.

Earlier during the day, Bangladesh Foreign Minister had meeting with Dr. Gerd Mueller, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

During the meeting, Dr. Momen appreciated the development assistance of Germany to Bangladesh in areas like rural development, primary education, private sector development, renewable energy, climate effect and so on. 

Terming Bangladesh’s Readymade Garment Factories as safe, green and environment friendly, Mr. Momen said Bangladesh has achieved tremendous development in labour safety and rights issues. 

Dr. Rubana Haque, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) participated at the meeting, and it was agreed in the meeting that Bangladesh RMG sector would join at the “Green Button” initiative of the German Government to promote environment and socially conscious textile products. German Economic Cooperation and Development Minister was highly appreciative of the decision of Bangladesh to join the Green Button scheme.

Dr Momen also had meeting with Professor Mario Ohoven, President of BVMW and European President of CEA-PME / European Entrepreneurs. Citing Bangladesh’s initiatives to develop this sector, Dr. A. K. Momen urged German assistance for the skill development of Bangladesh’s youngsters and workforce.

Foreign Minister Momen also had meeting with Dr. Roland Schmidt, Secretary-General of the famous German Government research institute Frederick-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).

 At the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Momen appreciated FES for their work in Bangladesh in the areas of labour development, economy and higher education.

 He also referred to the collaboration between FES and Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh. Dr. Momen highlighted the importance of creating public awareness and dissemination of information globally about the persecution and atrocities suffered by the Rohingyas by the state of Myanmar. 

Foreign Minister suggested that FES, with their global presence, should take active role in this regard. Dr. Momen also talked about the Culture of Peace initiative of Bangladesh in UN, and stressed that through peaceful engagements, the instability and uncertainties in the current global issues can be resolved.

Dr Momen is on a 10-day visit to Europe which starts from Berlin, Germany, than he will visit Paris, France and Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.