Foreign minister urges Australia to invest in Bangladesh
The foreign minister also sought assistance from Australia for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees
Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has urged Australian companies to invest in Bangladesh, mentioning that the country has a very favourable and attractive environment for investment.
The foreign minister made the approach during a telephone conversation with his Australian counterpart Senator Marise Ann Payne on Thursday, according to a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Momen told Senator Marise that Bangladesh welcomes companies who are looking for places to relocate their industries.
"Our government is very eager to increase employment opportunities to overcome the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. We have already created 100 economic zones, especially for foreign investors. Besides, we have built 28 high-tech parks with a large number of skilled workforce in the ICT sector," the press release added citing the foreign minister.
The foreign minister also sought assistance from Australia for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. "Cyclone Amphan did not have any effect on the Rohingyas living at Bhashanchar. We are thinking of permitting them to engage in some sort of economic activities there," he mentioned.
Bangladesh has recently taken over the presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, and Momen sought Australia's help in initiating the forum's efforts to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius.
During the conversation, the foreign minister also thanked the Australian government for helping Bangladeshi immigrants, especially students, in the time of the global crisis.