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Malaysia keen to contribute in building ‘smart Bangladesh’


Published : 19 Mar 2023 10:36 PM | Updated : 20 Mar 2023 07:32 PM

Malaysian Ambassador in Dhaka Haznah Md. Hashim has said that his government wants “to cooperate by increasing investment in Bangladesh to build a smart Bangladesh by 2041”.

“We believe that the close relationship between the two brotherly countries has existed since independence. As a developing country, Malaysia has always been a development partner of Bangladesh,” he said while speaking at the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) hosted event.

Bangladesh is the second largest trading partner of Malaysia now.

Referring to the various facilities provided by the Bangladesh government for foreign investors, the Malaysian envoy said, creating business opportunities in all sectors of Bangladesh is very beneficial for all businessmen around the world.

He assured all possible cooperation and assistance from the High Commission for the development of long-term business relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

The BMCCI event titled “Catalyzing Private Investment for Vision 2041: Opportunities for Private Sector in a Smart Bangladesh” was held on Saturday at the Bangabandhu Conference Hall of the World Trade Center in Chittagong.

BMCCI President Syed Almas Kabir, Chittagong Chamber President MahbubulAlam, Chittagong Chamber Vice President Syed Mohammad Tanveer, Chittagong Chamber Ex-President Engineer Ali Ahmed and Director MahfuzulHaque Shah, Chairman of Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation Professor Dr. Md. Salim Uddin, and Managing Director of PHP Automobiles Akhtar Parvez were present as guests.

Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh M. MashrurReaz presented the keynote speech on the topic.

He shared the story of the incredible development of Bangladesh in the last 50 years. He said that Bangladesh is working tirelessly to move itself to the ranks of developed countries by 2041 as its development target.

“Bangladesh has shown success in meeting all the criteria needed to move towards the target.”

He discussed the potential sectors identified as investment areas in Bangladesh and highlighted Bangladesh's potential as a consumer. He further added that Bangladesh's huge working youth population has contributed to becoming one of the focal points for attracting foreign investment.

Chittagong Chamber President MahbubulAlam said that the main objective of Vision 2041 is to transform the economy of Bangladesh into a self-reliant and sustainable economy where there will be ample employment opportunities for our people.

There is no alternative to increasing private investment to achieve this goal.

Former president of the chamber, Engineer Ali Ahmed said, Matarbari deep sea port will be a game changer for Bangladesh.

BMCCI president Almas Kabir said digital Bangladesh is now a reality in front of us so the government has now set its next goal to build Smart Bangladesh. “Building Smart Bangladesh requires smart manpower and smartness in bureaucratic activities.”

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