Bangladesh, France win-win investment partners: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said China businessmen can enjoy a win-win partnership with Bangladeshi ones through investing in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking at the breakfast meeting with the Movement for the Enterprise of France (MEDEF) in Paris on Wednesday.

Simplifying his message, the PM said, France needs to invest to sustain its growth while Bangladesh needs investment to expedite its growth.

"You need competitive sourcing options while we look for diversifying our export destinations. This offers a perfect combination for a win-win partnership for both of our countries," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is a land of opportunities and potentials while it has one of the friendliest foreign investment and trade regimes in the region.

"We strongly encourage French companies to come up with investments, including with concessional financing options," she said.

The Prime Minister said she is encouraged to see the growth in bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and France in recent years.

"We are also investing heavily to improve regional connectivity. Thus investing in Bangladesh will give you access to the entire region, a market of nearly 2 billion people," she said.

Hasina said Bangladesh is setting up 100 'Special Economic Zones' across the country to industrialise Bangladesh in an inclusive manner. "We invite you to setup a French SEZ in Bangladesh."

"I understand that a visit by MEDEF to Bangladeshis expected to take place soon. We welcome that," she said.

Despite challenges, the PM said, Bangladesh achieved 7.28 per cent GDP growth last year and this powerful momentum has created huge opportunities in Bangladesh. "And the strength of Bangladesh's economy is globally recognised."

According to UNB, MEDEF Chairman Pierre Gattaz led the French business delegation at the meeting.