PM seeks more Bulgarian investment

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought Bulgarian investment in different sectors including agriculture, energy, ICT, marine and tourism for mutual benefits of the two countries.

"We have ensured an investment-friendly atmosphere in the country by providing various facilities to the entrepreneurs...you can tap the opportunity by making investment in larger scale in various potential sectors like agriculture, energy, ICT and marine and tourism," she said.

The Prime Minister came up with the request when a 15-member delegation of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on her at the bilateral meeting room at Hotel Marinela Sofia here this morning.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Spelling out her government's various initiatives to attract investment in Bangladesh, the Premier said her government had raised electricity production to 14,700 megawatts from 3,200 MW in seven years.

"Our goal is now to reach electricity to every house...we are now installing solar panels in remote areas," she said.

She also noted establishment of 100 special economic zones and IT parks to boost investment in the country.

Pointing out the prospect in agro processing sector, Sheikh Hasina said the Bulgarian entrepreneurs could also invest in this sector.

About the immense potential in marine sector, the Premier mentioned that maritime boundary dispute with India and Myanmar has already been solved.

Referring to setting up over 5,500 union digital centres across the country, the Prime Minister said a huge investment opportunity has also been created in the ICT sector.

Citing the initiatives for the BBIN cooperation involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, Sheikh Hasina said it will be another market for the region by expanding the present market.

At the outset of the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled the support of Bulgaria during the War of Liberation in Bangladesh. "Bulgaria has special place in our hearts," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said she is very happy to see the women's participation in all sectors in Bulgaria. "It's very encouraging," she said, adding her government is also working to increase women's participation in all sectors. The members of the Bulgarian business delegation highly appreciated investment-friendly atmosphere created by the Bangladesh government and expressed interest to invest in different sectors.

Vice-President of FBCCI Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin and Managing Director of SME Foundation Shafiqul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and Bangladesh Ambassador in Sofia Md Allama Siddiki were present on the occasion.

Source: BSS.