PM seeks expanded US investment, stronger economic ties during talks with Sergio Gor
During the meeting, Sergio Gor praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, saying stability is returning to Bangladesh under his leadership.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (1 August) sought greater US investment and stronger economic engagement with Bangladesh during talks with visiting US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, as the two sides discussed bilateral relations, trade, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, beginning at 9:30am, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.
During the meeting, Sergio Gor praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, saying stability is returning to Bangladesh under his leadership.
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As an indication of that progress, he said, the United States has positively revised its travel advisory for Bangladesh, which would send an important message to American investors that the country is ready for investment.
The two sides also discussed a planned visit by a delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council to Bangladesh next month.
They also discussed expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Gor assured the Prime Minister that he would support the resumption of FDA inspection activities in Bangladesh.
The meeting also focused on investment opportunities through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Tarique Rahman urged the United States to continue investing in Bangladesh, particularly in warehousing, soybean, cotton, wheat and other agricultural sectors, saying such investments would help build a stronger and more competitive supply chain.
Special Envoy Sergio Gor said Washington would work positively to expand DFC investment cooperation in the country.
He also informed the Prime Minister that US investors in Dhaka are keen to organise a US Investor Summit in the near future.
The US Special Envoy said he is personally working to help make the initiative a reality.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Bangladesh's strong interest in attracting US investment in the information technology sector.
Gor said Bangladesh has significant potential in the IT sector and observed that the country could become a future partner in the Pax Silica initiative. He said he would take steps in this regard.
The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the discussions.
Referring to his visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar yesterday, Gor praised the government and people of Bangladesh for sheltering the displaced Myanmar nationals and continuing humanitarian assistance.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the United States, noting that more than half of the international assistance for the Rohingya response comes from the US government and people.
Gor stressed the need for a swift, sustainable and political solution to the Rohingya crisis, emphasising coordinated efforts involving ASEAN, neighbouring countries and other relevant stakeholders.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, State Minister Shama Obaed, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, PM's advisers Rehan Asif Asad, Mahadi Amin and Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Ariful Islam, among others, were present at the meeting.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen also attended the meeting.
The US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon on a three-day visit.
Sergio met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Thursday evening and visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar yesterday.
