Bangladesh is the most investment friendly place in South Asia: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the world investors, particularly those from India, to invest in Bangladesh as the country’s investment environment is the most liberal one in South Asia.

“It is the time for global investors, particularly Indian entrepreneurs, to invest in Bangladesh in areas like education, light engineering, electronics, automotive industry, artificial Intelligence – beyond the conventional menu,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina was addressing as the chief guest the country strategy dialogue on Bangladesh in the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum at Hotel Taj Palace of New Delhi in India, reports BSS.

She said, “We are establishing 100 Special Economic Zones, with one-stop service across Bangladesh. Twelve of the zones are already functioning. Two zones are reserved for Indian investors. A number of high-tech parks are also ready for technology and innovative enterprises.”

Referring to the last year’s HSBC prediction, she said, Bangladesh will be the 26th largest economy in the World by 2030.

The premier said Bangladesh has made the remarkable progress in various sectors following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as he dreamt of a hunger-, poverty- and exploitation-free ‘Golden Bangladesh’.

“This year, our economy posted a record high growth of 8.1 percent. We are close to achieving double digit growth. Since 2009, Bangladesh economy has grown by 188 percent in size. Our Per Capita Income is around US$ 2000,” she added.

The premier said that the Indian Reliance recently purchased large quantity of refrigerators made in Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh also has six lakh (0.6 million) IT freelancers – the largest freelancing community. These speak of a quiet transformation where people have taken risks and faced challenges by adapting to innovation and technology,” she also said.

“Bangladesh has the 5th largest internet user population in the Asia-Pacific. We are fast moving towards a cashless society. Last year, e-commerce transactions reached 260 million dollars,” she added.

By 2025, mobile internet penetration will reach 41percent population she said and mentioned that over 30 million middle class is “indeed a huge market”.

As many as 800 representatives from 40 countries are taking part in the two-day summit ending Friday. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister is set to address the closing session.

A VVIP flight (BG-2030) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourage members departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka for New Delhi around 8:15 am and arrived in New Delhi at 9:45am local time.

This is the first India visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

Bangladesh and India are likely to sign some 10-12 bilateral instruments in different areas during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s four-day official visit to New Delhi. 

Water sharing of all Trans Boundary Rivers, including Teesta, will also be discussed during the visit.