Sri Lankan investors invited to invest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones
By: Staff Writer
January 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan businessmen have invested US$ 4.5 billion in various sectors of Bangladesh, including the ready-made garment sector, as the political situation in Bangladesh is stable, Sri Lankan businessmen are keen to invest more.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said Sri Lankan businessmen are interested to increase their investment in Bangladesh.
Noting that the relationship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is friendly, Khalid said the main concern of these two countries is to move forward by assisting each other in the days to come.
“Our discussion has been fruitful. Discussions have been held to increase ship traffic between Chattogram and Colombo ports. Logistic support is being extended to Colombo Port,” he added.
Mahbubul Alam, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), invited the Sri Lankan businessmen and investors to invest in the special economic zones of Bangladesh.
The FBCCI President made this call during a courtesy meeting with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody at FBCCI’s Gulshan office on Sunday, said a press release.
The FBCCI president said the government is establishing 100 special economic zones across Bangladesh.
“All kinds of facilities including oil, gas, and electricity are being provided in these economic zones apart from one-stop service and e-platform,” he added.
Mahbubul said attractive incentives are on offer to facilitate business and investment in Bangladesh.
“Sri Lankan businessmen can be benefitted by setting up industry here on their own or in joint ventures,” he added.
Mahbubul Alam said garments, pharmaceuticals, eco-tourism and hospitality are some of the potential sectors in Bangladesh.
“If Sri Lankan investors want to invest in Bangladesh, FBCCI will provide all kinds of support,” he added.
While speaking at the meeting, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody said that Sri Lanka has many business entrepreneurs who are interested in doing business in Bangladesh.
Besides, many potential sectors, Sri Lanka receives a large number of tourists from Bangladesh every year.“Now it is time to increase bilateral trade between the two countries.” He added.
The FBCCI leaders praised the Sri Lankan Central Bank’s role in overcoming the economic challenges.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman explored the possibilities for Bangladesh to invest in Sri Lanka in tourism, agriculture, shipping, and logistics sectors in addition to pharma and education in Sri Lanka.
He stated that Sri Lanka could be an attractive destination for Bangladesh investors and expressed DCCI’s readiness to support the High Commission in its economic promotional activities.
