Trade
6 years ago

Australia can invest in infrastructure projects

Experts tell ABCCI discussion

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Speakers at a discussion called on Australia to invest in infrastructure projects and skills development programmes in Bangladesh.

They also assured the Australian investors of continuity in the country's economic policy and political stability.

The Australia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABCCI) organised the discussion on 'Bilateral business and trade opportunities between Australia and Bangladesh' at a city hotel on Sunday.

Speaking as the chief guest, the Prime Minister's international affairs adviser Gowher Rizvi said the next national elections will be held on time and in a free and fair manner.

Whatever would be the results of the election, there would be no change in the country's economic policy, he said.

"There will be continuity… so the investors who come here should be assured that there will be no change (in economic policy)," he added.

The ABCCI also accorded a reception to Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Julia Niblett at the function.

Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Kazi M Aminul Islam and President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin) attended the programme as the special guests.

Business leaders from various sectors and members of other bilateral chambers were also present at the function.

In his speech, Gowher Rizvi said there is no obstacle to any political party participating in the elections.

He expressed the hope that all the political parties will take part in the national elections.

Referring to the country's significant economic growth over the years, he said: "What gave our country seven plus growth rate has been our political stability and growing maturity of our democratic institutions."

Political stability and continuity is helping propel the country's economic growth, he added.

Addressing the business leaders at the programme, he said businesses should continue their respective jobs while the government would ensure stable political and economic atmosphere.

Speaking on the occasion, Australian High Commissioner Julia Niblett said bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly in the last five years. The volume of trade was over $2.0 billion in the last fiscal year.

Though the trade relations between the two countries are strengthening, there is plenty of scope for further growth, she added.

She also said reducing the lead time for export and clear decision-making process are essential to boost the bilateral trade.

She lauded the Bangladesh government for taking steps to meet its energy demand in line with the economic progress.

"This has been ambitious and impressive focus on policy to support Bangladesh's economic growth," she said, adding that reliable energy supply is crucial to attract both domestic and foreign direct investment.

Executive Chairman of BIDA Kazi M Aminul Islam mentioned various initiatives taken by the government to help businesses flourish in the country.

"We are developing both institutions and human capital to ensure economic growth," he said.

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