President calls for more Swiss investment to create jobs
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged Switzerland to increase investment and expand bilateral trade with Bangladesh, saying greater investment would create jobs and accelerate economic growth.
The president made the call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.
Praising the contributions of established Swiss companies operating in Bangladesh, Mirza Fakhrul stressed the need to attract more Swiss investment in promising sectors.
“Bangladesh now wants substantial investment rather than aid,” he said, pointing to the country’s vast potential.
He said increased investment would generate employment and help the country advance more quickly.
The discussions also covered Switzerland’s experience in local governance.
The president praised the Swiss local government system and expressed interest in drawing on its experience to strengthen Bangladesh’s local government institutions and improve their effectiveness. He sought Swiss cooperation, and the ambassador assured him of his country’s support.
Mirza Fakhrul also appreciated Switzerland’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and parliamentary processes.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included cooperation in tackling climate change, skills development, cultural exchanges, technical education and research.
The ambassador congratulated the president on assuming office and conveyed Switzerland’s intention to place greater emphasis on bilateral trade, investment and knowledge cooperation.
He also expressed his country’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh on shared priorities, including democracy and multilateralism.
The meeting covered longstanding bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland, along with reforms and good governance, according to the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka.
The president’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Diepak Elmer were present.
