ZCZC
BSS – 50
BANGLADESH-UK-TRADE
10-15 UK companies to set up business here in 3-4yrs: Dickson
DHAKA, Feb 17, 2021 (BSS) – British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert
Chatterton Dickson today said at least 10 to 15 UK companies will set up
their businesses here in the next three to four years considering Bangladesh
as a fantastic place for investment.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic the country managed to maintain positive
growth and I believe that the country’s economy will continue to grow after
the pandemic is over,” he said.
The high commissioner was briefing a group of journalists at his
residence in the capital on the outcome of the first UK-Bangladesh trade and
investment dialogue on Tuesday at the commerce ministry, where Dickson led
the UK side and Commerce Secretary Md Jafar Uddin led the Bangladesh side.
Dickson said the British companies have shown interest to invest in
financial, IT and healthcare sectors of the country considering Bangladesh’s
continuous economic growth, availability of human resources and
entrepreneurial spirit of the youths.
Besides, he said at least nine British universities are in the race to
set up campuses here to bring world class education for the Bangladeshi
youths. “They will offer world class education to Bangladeshi youths which
will give them (youths) the opportunity to acquire globally competitive
skills,” he noted.
Mentioning that Bangladeshi made goods will continue to enjoy GSP facility
in the British market as like the EU countries, he said, adding this duty
free access facility will be offered till 2027 while Bangladesh is expected
to graduate from the Least Developed County (LDC) status in 2024.
The envoy said, however, Bangladesh’s 168th position at the Ease of Doing
Business index is a challenge to get more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The envoy observed that Bangladesh and the UK can develop a long-term and
stronger trade relationship if the challenges are addressed.
Expecting that Bangladesh market will be more open to the best of British
investment and expertise, he said the UK and Bangladesh have strong political
commitment to further advance the trade relations.
The two countries will hold meeting of working group level and assess the
progress at the end of the year, he said.
BSS/ASG/TA/ARS/2029 hrs