Deals signed with India for welfare of people: PM

Desk Report: Coming down heavily on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for her comments that the government has sold the country by signing agreements with India, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said here today that whatever deals the two countries inked are for the overall welfare of the people and the region.

"Those who are saying that the country has been sold by signing agreements with India are actually 'insane' and whatever agreements we signed with India are for overall welfare and development of the people and the region," she told a business programme at Hotel Tajmahal here on Monday afternoon.

Sheikh Hasina told the businessmen: "You the businessmen say whether we have sold the country or achieved through it (signing deals)."

Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICC) and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers and Commerce of Industry (FBCCI) jointly arranged the programme.

The prime minister urged the Indian entrepreneurs to bring their businesses and investments in Bangladesh to improve the life and livelihood of the people of the region.

"Our aim is to create an innovative and pragmatic economy which would ensure an inclusive society and job opportunities ... I'm sure, together we can bring in a difference in the life and livelihood of the people of our region,"

The prime minister said Bangladesh is a stable country and is marching forward on a right path and also enjoys an excellent relationship with India with a vision to develop together.

"You're rich and that's why I urge you to take this opportunity to bring your businesses and investments in Bangladesh," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the Indian business community can take full advantage of Bangladesh's steady economic growth, high demographic dividend, competitive business cost and large consumer base.

"We have an Indo-Bangla investment agreement in place to protect your investment ... we're providing attractive packages including 100% repatriation of profit and invested capital," she said.

The prime minister said currently, Bangladesh is getting benefits of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from 38 countries of the world including EU, Japan, Australia and Canada.

"You can also avail duty-free and quota-free benefits extended to Bangladesh from countries such as China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Chile. We have a large domestic market of around 160 million people," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is setting up 100 special economic zones to boost industrialization and to attract foreign investment. "Special economic zones in Mongla, Bheramara and Mirshorai have been exclusively dedicated for Indian investors," she said.

The premier said the government has set up high-tech parks for attracting investments in the technology sector and also established the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA).

BSS

risingbd/DHAKA/Apr 10, 2017/Saif/Amirul