PM seeks Moroccan investment in economic zones

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought Moroccan investment in Bangladesh's economic zones for mutual benefits of the two countries. 

"We're developing 100 economic zones across the country for further industrialization and generating employment ... Morocco could make investment in these economic zones which will be beneficial for both countries," she said. 

The premier made the request when newly appointed Moroccan Ambassador to Bangladesh Majid Halim paid a courtesy call on her at her Jatiya Sangsad office here this noon. 

"We can sit (together) and identify the areas of cooperation for mutual benefits of the two countries," Sheikh Hasina said. 

Referring to Bangladesh's success in agriculture sector, the prime minister said Bangladesh could share its experience with Morocco. 

In this connection, she said Bangladesh's economic is mainly dependent on agriculture and it was very difficult to manage food for all the population of the country. 

"We've increased food production through research ... we are providing food 160 million people and there is no food deficit in the country," she said. 

Sheikh Hasina said her aim is to build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country. 

She said Bangabanadhu had a dream of establishing a hunger and poverty- free Sonar Bangla. "In line with that we've working," she said. While highlighting Bangladesh's socioeconomic progress, the premier said GDP growth has been stood at 7.24 percent, while the per capita income raised to US Dollar 1602 thanks to various pragmatic steps of her government. 

Referring to menace of terrorism across the globe, Sheikh Hasina reiterated her government's "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism and militancy. 

She mentioned the existing communal harmony of the country and said the people of all faiths are performing their religion freely. The Moroccan ambassador expressed his country's interest in enhancing economic cooperation with Bangladesh and offered assistance in the areas of tourism, power and renewable energy. 

"We want to boost relations in the fields of trade and economy, and more areas of cooperation could be explored," he said. 

While talking about different international issues, Halim said Morocco shares common views with Bangladesh on many matters.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Morocco, the ambassador said he would continue to work for further strengthening the bilateral ties. 

PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Senior PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum were present.

Source: bss