BD needs dev partners to reach its goals: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday invited investors from Commonwealth countries to come to Bangladesh in a bigger way, reports UNB.
"Geographically, Bangladesh is at the centre of a market of 3.0-billion people. We've 170-million people of our own. By 2030, the affluent population of Bangladesh will stand at 35 million."
"Therefore, Bangladesh will become the third-largest market globally, leaving behind Germany and the United Kingdom," said the premier.
Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing a two-day 'Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum Bangladesh-2023' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zi Foundation, a family-run entity that offers support to vulnerable people, co-hosted the event.
The aim is to promote innovation, trade, investment and economic growth, enhance partnerships and explore ways towards sustainable and inclusive economic development for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh needs development partners for reaching its goal, said PM Hasina. "We need more high-quality and sustainable investment to accelerate the economic progress of Bangladesh."
As a prerequisite for investment promotion, her government prioritised organisational reforms, the formation of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) that offer attractive facilities for investors and ensure post-investment services.
Almost all sectors are open to investment in Bangladesh, according to Sheikh Hasina.
She, however, encouraged more investment in agricultural goods and food processing, leather and leather goods processing, medical equipment, automobiles and shipbuilding, and ICT.
"There are promising investment facilities in these sectors, including the easy process of taking back dividends or benefits to your home country," she said.
Some 70 per cent of Bangladesh's foreign direct investment comes from reinvestment, which is a proof of the excellent investment environment that Bangladesh offers to investors.
The premier said BIDA has started a one-stop fast-track delivery service to facilitate investors with the services of various departments of the government.
Seventy-eight services from 26 departments can be received through one platform.