PM calls for enhanced Iranian investment

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in joint ventures in Bangladesh, identifying such areas as oil and gas exploration, petro-chemicals and infrastructure development.

She made the request on Sunday, when outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hossein Aminian Tousi made a farewell call at her office.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters about the meeting.

Hasina also called upon the Iranian government to import world class ceramic and pharmaceutical products, garment, frozen fish and jute goods from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh exported goods worth $75.40 million to Iran while its import stood at $7.10 million in 2012-13 fiscal, she pointed out.

Since Bangladesh and Iran have strong ties based on shared history, faith and culture, bilateral relations would be further strengthened in the years to come, she hoped.

Hasina conveyed her warm greetings to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hasan Rouhani through the envoy.

Aminian Tousi handed over a letter of the Iranian President, congratulating Hasina on her assumption of the office of the Prime Minister for the second successive term.

The ambassador thanked the prime minister for her government's sincere cooperation during his stay in Bangladesh.

Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary Shaikh Md Wahid-Uz-Zaman were also present on the occasion.