The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A delegation of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) headed by Shreekant Somany on Monday expressed interest in investing in power transmission, consulting engineering, glass manufacturing and health and beauty care in Bangladesh. The CII delegation expressed its intention during a meeting with Foreign Advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office. Welcoming Indian investment, the Adviser said, “Bangladesh want investment from all, including her friendly neighbour, India. The situation now is absolutely appropriate for such investments.” He said the reforms that the caretaker government is pushing for will be sustained over a long period of time which will render this country to one that will provide adequate returns to any foreign direct investments.

The Advisor said the success in social and education sectors has been helping alleviate poverty and empower women.

“This in turn has created an oasis of stability and peace in Bangladesh,” he said and encouraged the “captains of Indian industries” to establish contacts with their counterparts here and assured them that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do all it can to facilitate the process.

Iftekhar also suggested that the Indian authorities should provide greater market access to Bangladeshi products, which would help reduce the existing trade imbalance.

Talking to reporters, Somany said the meeting with the Advisor was positive and added that investment from Bangladesh will be looked into by the Indian government. He also said the Indian authorities are facilitating visa for business people.

In reply to a question India High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty said the Dhaka-Kolkata passenger train service will be commissioned after certain issues concerning security are resolved.