President urges Switzerland to boost investment, trade in Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Switzerland to increase investment and expand bilateral trade with Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh now seeks substantial investment rather than aid. There is vast potential in this country. Increased investment will create employment opportunities and enable Bangladesh to progress rapidly,” the President said.

The President made the call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said.

During the meeting, the president appreciated the contributions of Swiss companies operating in Bangladesh and highlighted the need to increase Swiss investment in various promising sectors.

The president also praised Switzerland’s local government system and expressed interest in drawing on Swiss experience to make Bangladesh’s local government system more effective and stronger.

The Swiss ambassador assured Bangladesh of his country’s support following the president’s request for Switzerland’s cooperation in this regard.

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Mirza Fakhrul Islam also appreciated Switzerland’s cooperation in enhancing the capacity of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and strengthening parliamentary activities.

He expressed hope that the existing friendly relations between the two countries would create new opportunities for investment, trade and economic cooperation in the future.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in addressing climate change, skills development, cultural exchange, technical education, education and research.

Secretaries of the President’s Office, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy Diepak Elmer were present at the meeting.