UK entrepreneurs urged to invest in BD

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Sunday called upon the visiting British entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh, taking into account the business-friendly environment prevailing here.
"The government has implemented one of the most liberal investment regimes in South Asia. It is working to ensure a stable investment environment to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Thus Bangladesh could be the next investment destination for UK investors looking for good return on their capital," FBCCI president Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed said at a meeting with a delegation of WBCC at the apex trade body.
Dilabor A Hussain, chairman of Wales Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (WBCC), led the 23-member delegation at the meeting. Deputy Director of Welsh Government of the United Kingdom (UK) Mike Hnyda was, among others, present.
WBCC has been set up with an aim to create and develop entrepreneurs to explore the latent business potential.
Mr Ahmed suggested that the UK businessmen arrange single-country fair on a regular basis. Bangladesh trade fair in the UK would help the country's products familiarise with the British buyers.
He also recommended frequent trade visits through simplification of British immigration rules and procedures and holding seminars and exhibitions in Bangladesh and the UK regularly.
Bangladesh exports mainly knitwear and woven garments to the UK.
Mr Ahmed called upon the WBCC delegation to import more leather and agro-processed goods and light engineering and plastic products.  
The delegation during their meeting with the FBCCI expressed interest to enhance trade cooperation between the two countries in the areas of financial services, property developer, consultancy, education, marketing and public relations (PR) agency and pharmaceutical sectors.
The bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and UK have been growing over the years. The country enjoys a trade surplus with the UK. The two-way trade has already crossed US$ 3.0 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2013-14.
First vice-president Monowara Hakim Ali and other members of the board of directors of the apex trade body were, among others, present.  
The delegation also met the board of directors of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at the trade body's office.
DCCI president Hossain Khaled and other board members attended the meeting. The DCCI and WBCC discussed bilateral issues regarding trade, investment, export and import.
During their stay in the country, the British businessmen will have meetings with the businesspeople in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.
    talhabinhabib@yahoo.com