CA urges Qataris to invest in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus urged investors from Qatar to seize the vast opportunities in Bangladesh by investing in the country's promising sectors.

"Bangladesh is now back to business and back to business in a big way. We want your partnership," the Chief Adviser said at a programme in Doha on Wednesday evening.

Addressing the event titled "Bilateral Investment Opportunities Between Qatar and Bangladesh", the Chief Adviser said the Interim Government had taken many steps to improve investment climate in the country and was dedicated to creating New Bangladesh free from corruption.

He shared the remarkable story of how Bangladesh once convinced Norwegian telecom operator Telenor to launch a telephone company in the country, which later turned into Telenor’s most profitable enterprise.

Azad Ashraf, President of the Bangladesh Forum Qatar, gave the welcome speech.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury delivered a presentation to prospective Qatari investors and non-resident Bangladeshis, showcasing investment opportunities in Bangladesh and highlighting the reforms introduced by the Interim Government to simplify business and investment procedures.

He said, "If you ever consider Bangladesh the investment destination, this is probably the best time to do it."

Addressing the event, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said when the Interim Government assumed office, Bangladesh had an outstanding debt of 3.2 billion US dollars, which has now come down to 600 million dollars.

They include 254 million outstanding payments to Qatar Energy, which have come down to nil by Wednesday, he said.

He explained the Interim Government's plan for energy safety and improved infrastructure for their benefit.

The program featured speeches by Qatar's Deputy Under Secretary for Industry and Business Development, Saleh Majed Al Khalafi, and Ali Ben Fardj, co-founder of Next Smart Solutions, among others.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present, and the closing remarks were delivered by Bangladesh's Ambassador to Qatar, Nazrul Islam.