As graduation to developing-country status is knocking at the door, the European Union (EU) has expressed the interest to support Bangladesh's development journey and help achieve the country's various goals ahead.
"…we are all focused on graduation. And that's important for both Bangladesh and the European Union," EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told newsmen on Monday, following a meeting with Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat.
He further said: "We want to see a smooth graduation and of course a smooth transition to GSP Plus (scheme)."
"…we're focusing on how we can be supportive, boost investment, including through the new European Chamber of Commerce," he noted.
Terming the discussion with the finance minister "very interesting", the EU envoy said he had talks on the EU-Bangladesh collaboration as well as the economic prospects of Bangladesh.
He said the EU is involved in various sectors of Bangladesh which include social protection. "So we talked about some of our projects and budget support in those areas."
Mr Whiteley said the EU has a very important relationship with Bangladesh on the trade and commercial front, and discussed the issue during the meeting.
"We're very keen to improve and increase European investment in Bangladesh. So there's a huge potential for that," he said.
The ambassador said: "We talked about big brush issues, but of course there are many different issues on the table and we will be working on those with this ministry and with other ministries."
Replying to a query whether they discussed labour rights and human rights issues in Bangladesh, he answered in the negative, saying: "No, not on this occasion."
Briefing newsmen after a meeting with the executive committee members of the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) the finance minister said the EU is a big market for Bangladesh and steps needed to further strengthen relations.
"Bangladesh has a very big market in the EU," he said, adding: "We need to further improve the relations."
Asked about sectors where the EU ambassador showed interest in investing in Bangladesh, the minister said they did not specify any sector but shared a broader outline.
syful-islam@outlook.com