The newly-appointed Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbransen today said his country sees great potential in Bangladesh.
He made the remark while paying his maiden courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry this morning said a press release.
During the meeting, the Ambassador termed the relations between the two countries as long-standing which is gradually shifting its focus from development cooperation to trade-centric partnership.
He mentioned Telenor’s significant footprint in Bangladesh and aspired for more business-to-business ties in the future.
Referring to the close and friendly relations between the two countries, the Foreign Adviser welcomed Norwegian support to the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
He underscored the reform initiatives of the present government, particularly in the democratic process, governance, and economic sector.
Given the significance of trade and investment, the Adviser sought more Norwegian investment in Bangladesh, in light of the ongoing efforts of the government in creating a better business climate, including effective ‘One Stop Service’.
Touhid said the economy of Bangladesh is resilient and suggested Norwegian investment in prospective sectors of Bangladesh, inter alia, ICT, renewable energy and electronics.
On the issue of human rights, the Adviser expressed the commitment and sincere efforts of the Interim Government in ensuring much better protection than before.
Bangladesh acceded to the ‘International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances’ last August and has just been elected Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council, he shared.
