DHAKA, Nov 27, 2018 (BSS) – Newly appointed German ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Fahrenholtz today said Bangladesh is a country of great potentials where the German businesses are keen to contribute, particularly in power and energy sectors.
“Bangladesh is a country of great potentials. German companies are working very well in Bangladesh and they can contribute more in different sectors, particularly power and energy sector,” the envoy said as he made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at Tejgaon here today.
“The relations between Bangladesh and Germany are deep rooted. Both parts of the then Germany extended support to the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Germany also provided immense help to Bangladesh to rebuild the war ravaged country,” Karim quoted the Prime Minister as telling the new envoy.
The Prime Minister recalled her visits to Germany at different times, particularly her stay following the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, the press secretary said.
The German ambassador highly appreciated Bangladesh’s initiative to give shelter to a large number of Rohingyas. Germany has so far allocated US$ 75 million to support the displaced people of Myanmar, the ambassador said.
“We can understand the extent of burden of refugees as Germany is also hosting a large number of refugees from other parts of the world,” he added.
Highlighting his country’s support to Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development, the ambassador said Germany has so far allocated more than US$300 million. The e-passport project of Bangladesh with the support of Germany is progressing well and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been signed to implement the project, he said.
German companies are working very well in Bangladesh and Germany has many things to do to contribute more to Bangladesh, particularly in power and energy sectors, the envoy said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the socioeconomic developments in Bangladesh and improvement of the living condition of the people over the last 10 years. She also pointed out the wage raise of the readymade garment workers.
The wages of readymade garment workers has been raised to Taka 8,000 from Taka 900 over the last 10 years, she said. The envoy appreciated the prime minister’s initiative in this regard.
Responding to German investors’ interest in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the German entrepreneurs may come to invest in the Special Economic Zones (EPZs) and set up their industries there.
About the Rohingya refugee problem, the Prime Minister said their huge intrusion has changed the demography of Cox’s Bazar as the number of refugees is more than the local people.
PM’s advisor on international affairs Dr. Gowher Rizvi, principal secretary Md. Nozibur Rahman and PM’s military secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Jainul Abedin were present.