UK wants to support Bangladesh in many ways: Mahmood Ali
Finance minister said he had broadly suggested to Britain what sorts of cooperation they could extend to Bangladesh
Britain wants to support Bangladesh in different areas as it has been working with the country for a long time and understands its situation well, said Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday (1 February).
"They [the UK] also have the necessary expertise, so let us see, and we're discussing with them the possible areas of cooperation," he told reporters at his Secretariat office after British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met him.
Mahmood Ali said he had broadly suggested to the United Kingdom what sorts of cooperation they could extend to Bangladesh, adding, "It has informed us that they are considering the possible areas of cooperation."
During the bilateral meeting, both the finance minister and Sarah Cooke discussed how London and Dhaka could work together on economic reform issues in order to help Bangladesh have a sustainable and successful graduation from LDC status.
Later, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy made a courtesy call on the finance minister at his office.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Marie said they discussed many areas of current cooperation and the excellent relations that they enjoy with the Ministry of Finance.
The ambassador also discussed the priorities of the finance minister in terms of economic and financial reforms, which are important areas of the new responsibilities of the new cabinet.
"The finance minister shared with me his priorities, and we are also conducting some important reforms in France. That was an important exchange, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation with the finance minister," she added.