Dhaka, Washington keen to boost development cooperation

The United States has expressed interest in opening new horizons of development cooperation and partnership with Bangladesh. US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T Christensen conveyed this interest during a courtesy meeting with Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Secretariat on Monday, April 27.

Later, Fakhrul said Dhaka and Washington are keen to open new horizons in development cooperation. International cooperation is crucial for Bangladesh's ongoing development activities. He emphasised the need for increased technical assistance, research and investment to further strengthen water supply, agriculture, infrastructure development and rural communication sectors. Highlighting Bangladesh as a promising destination for foreign investment, the minister welcomed interested investors.

He further said increasing private sector participation in development activities is the need of the hour. Fakhrul also noted that the US has long played a significant role in enhancing the capacity of research institutions in the region. The minister expressed optimism that this cooperation would expand further in the future.

Ambassador Christensen stressed the importance of coordinated initiatives in sectors of mutual interest. He particularly called for increased cooperation in agriculture, energy assistance and renewable energy sectors including solar panels.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed hope that through mutual cooperation and partnership, the development and progress of Bangladesh and the United States will be further accelerated in the future.