DHAKA, Dec 3, 2020 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the Spanish investors to come up with larger investments in the special economic zones (SEZs) and high-tech parks alongside readymade garments, jute, leather and pharmaceutical sectors.
The PM made the call when Spanish Ambassador Francisco de Asis Benitez Salas paid a courtesy call-on the Prime Minister at her official Ganabhaban residence here, said an official release of the Press Wing of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“We’re setting up 100 special economic zones. We have created a conducive business environment and opportunities there. So, Spain can invest here,” she said.
Apart from the Readymade Garments, jute, leather and pharmaceutical sectors have appeared as strong sectors in recent times in Bangladesh and Spain can think of investing in these sectors, she said.
The PM said that by investing in the SEZs and High-Tech Parks, Spanish investors can avail the tax benefits and attractive foreign direct investment-friendly packages offered by Bangladesh.
They can also take advantage of the large domestic and regional markets, she opined.
Briefly spelling out of the Bangladesh’s Delta Plan 2100, the PM said, “Spain could consider investing in waterways.”
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh and Spain maintain excellent relations.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, the PM said the growth in GDP has reduced to 5.4 percent from 8.15 due to the pandemic, Sheikh Hasina said that her government has been trying to overcome the situation.
She said amongst many countries Bangladesh’s economic condition remains good amidst the pandemic due to the timely initiatives taken by her government.
Mentioning that Bangladesh has been awaiting for Covid-19 vaccine, the PM said that her government has been taking necessary steps to distribute the vaccines among the people.
The Spanish ambassador highly lauded the role of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successful tackling of the Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh.
He also appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her global leadership role in dealing with climate change issues.
The Spanish Ambassador mentioned that Spain wants to work more closely with Bangladesh on infrastructure development and railways.
He told the PM that Spain is the fourth largest RMG export destination of Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister welcomed the new ambassador and assured him of all sorts of cooperation.
Ambassador Francisco thanked the PM for giving a video speech to a high-level event titled “Call for action to reinforce multilateralism” organised by the government of Spain on November 10.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and Military Secretary Major General Naqib Ahmed Chowdhury were present.