Chief Advisor Yunus meets with foreign investors in Qatar

Bangladesh is now back to business and opportunities are even broader, he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has held a meeting with several prominent foreign investors to attract investment to Bangladesh.

The meeting took place in Qatar’s capital Doha on Wednesday night, according to a Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) report.

Notable figures such as a former deputy prime minister of the Maldives, a member of the Malaysian royal family, a former Malaysian minister, a Qatari royal family member, top bankers, and several wealthy non-resident Bangladeshis were present in the meeting, it said.

Addressing the investors, the chief advisor said his government aims to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing and economic hub and welcome all sorts of foreign investment.

Highlighting that Bangladesh is offering one of the most attractive investment climates in the region, he said: "We want to be a top manufacturing country in the world."

The investors expressed interest in exploring opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, waste management, energy, banking, and tourism–particularly in the resort district of Cox's Bazar.

Yunus encouraged the investors to visit Bangladesh and engage in discussions with the relevant agencies.

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were in attendance at the meeting.

CALL ON QATARIS TO INVEST IN BANGLADESH

Meanwhile, the chief advisor urged Qatari businessmen to invest in Bangladesh to take advantage of the immense potential the country offers.

"Bangladesh is now back to business and this is in a broader way. We want your partnership," he said at a programme in Doha on Wednesday evening.

Addressing the event titled "Bilateral Investment Opportunities Between Qatar and Bangladesh", he said the interim government had taken many steps to improve the investment climate and was dedicated to creating a new Bangladesh free from corruption.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury gave a presentation before potential Qatari investors and expatriate Bangladeshis about investment opportunities in Bangladesh and the reforms undertaken by the interim government to make business and investment easier.

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

Energy Advisor Fouzul Kabir Khan said when the interim administration assumed office, Bangladesh had an outstanding debt of $3.2 billion, which has now come down to $600 million.

This includes $254 million outstanding payments to Qatar Energy, which have come down to nil by Wednesday, he said.