President seeks more European investment in Bangladesh
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for increased European investment in Bangladesh, highlighting what he described as opportunities created by the country’s current democratic environment.
The President made the call when ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, along with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters about the meeting.
The European ambassadors congratulated Fakhrul on assuming office as President, while he thanked them for their messages.
The President expressed satisfaction over the continued progress in relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and European countries and the EU.
“The partnership has now taken a multifaceted shape. New opportunities have emerged to further deepen the cordial relations based on mutual respect,” he said.
Fakhrul reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking while calling for expanded legal migration pathways for skilled Bangladeshi workers.
He also urged more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.
The European envoys reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.
They called for greater cooperation in trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development and urged the creation of a level playing field to increase trade and investment between Bangladesh and EU countries.
The ambassadors also reiterated their continued engagement in Bangladesh’s constitutional, judicial and other reform initiatives. The President highlighted the government’s commitment to the reforms and assured continued cooperation.
Fakhrul sought increased humanitarian assistance from the EU for the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar.
He also urged the EU to play a stronger role in creating conditions for the voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. The ambassadors reiterated their support and cooperation on the issue.
The meeting also discussed regional and global developments, renewable energy, green transition, migration management, education, maritime affairs and technology transfer.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation while upholding democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order.
Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Michael Miller, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, German Ambassador Dr Ruediger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks attended the meeting.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.
