The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said Norway and Sweden expressed their eagerness to accept Bangladesh as a strategic partner to increase economic and political cooperation.

Briefing reporters on his just ended visit to the two Scandinavian countries, he said Norway is eager to take engineers well versed in English language to work for its oil sector.

Besides, both Norway and Sweden are willing to recruit skilled manpower in IT sector.

The Advisor said a process is underway to sign a 5-year development cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden (2008-2012). Sweden provides US$ 38 million assistance to Bangladesh annually.

He said Norway will continue its economic assistance programme for women empowerment, democracy, human rights and environment. The development cooperation agreement between Dhaka and Oslo has been extended till April, 2008.

The Advisor said Norway and Sweden have expressed willingness to work with Bangladesh in the wake of current events in South Asia.