President Urges Switzerland to Boost Investment, Expand Trade with Bangladesh
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Switzerland to increase investment in Bangladesh and expand bilateral trade.
He made the call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.
The President’s Press Secretary, Md Sarwar Alam, told BSS about the meeting.
During the meeting, the President praised the contributions of leading Swiss companies operating in Bangladesh and stressed the need to increase Swiss investment in promising sectors.
“Bangladesh now wants substantial investment, not aid,” the President said. Highlighting the country’s vast potential, he said increased investment would create employment opportunities and help Bangladesh progress rapidly.
The President also praised Switzerland’s local government system and expressed interest in drawing on the country’s experience to make Bangladesh’s local government system more effective and stronger. He sought Switzerland’s cooperation in this regard, and the ambassador assured him of his country’s support.
The President also appreciated Switzerland’s assistance in strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and parliamentary activities. He said the existing friendly relations between the two countries would create new opportunities for investment, trade and economic cooperation in the future.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in addressing climate change, skills development, cultural exchange, technical education, education and research.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, a director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Deepak Elmer were present at the meeting.
