President seeks more European investment in Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday sought more European investment in Bangladesh, highlighting the golden opportunities for investment created by the country's current healthy democratic environment.

The president made the urge as ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, the EU member states posted in Bangladesh, and the head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Monday morning, said a press release.

During the meeting, the ambassadors congratulated him on assuming the office of the president. The president expressed his gratitude to them for the congratulatory messages.

The president expressed satisfaction at the continued progress in relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and European countries and the European Union.

"The partnership has now taken a multifaceted shape. New opportunities have emerged to further deepen the cordial relations based on mutual respect," he added.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking.

 He, however, urged further expansion of legal migration pathways for skilled manpower and called on more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.

The ambassadors reiterated their commitment to working closely with the present government to further strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.

They also called for strengthening cooperation in various areas, including trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development.

The ambassadors urged creation of a level playing field for increasing trade and investment between Bangladesh and EU countries.

They also reiterated their continued engagement and cooperation in Bangladesh's constitutional, judicial and other important reform initiatives.

The president highlighted the government's commitment in this regard and assured continuing cooperation.

The president also sought more humanitarian assistance from the EU for the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar and urged the EU to play a stronger role in creating a safe environment for their voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.

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The ambassadors reiterated their support and cooperation in this regard.

The meeting also discussed issued related to the regional and global situation, renewable energy, green transition, migration management, education, maritime affairs and technology transfer.

Both sides reiterated commitment to working together while upholding the values of democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order.

During the meeting, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Michael Miller, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc S,r,-Charlet, German Ambassador Dr R?diger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel, Spanish Ambassador D Gabriel Mar-a Sistiaga Ochoa De Chinchetruand Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks were present.

The president's military secretary, secretary, press secretary and director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.