The Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) in Bangladesh on Sunday organised the launch of “Bangladesh Investor Booklet 2021” in cooperation with the Royal Norwegian embassy, embassy of Denmark and embassy of Sweden.
While highlighting Bangladesh as an attractive destination for Nordic investment, speakers at the event discussed the development of overall business environment to attract Nordic investment in the country. Business leaders, foreign dignitaries, members of government regulatory bodies, policy makers and advocacy coalitions also joined the virtual launch event, according to a press statement.
Salman F Rahman, Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, said, “The government realizes that the country’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business can be better.We are targeting that by 2022, we will have substantial and significant improvement in the ranking.”
He further added that the ‘One Stop Service’ introduced by BIDA has been popular and more services are being included onto the platform.
Salman F Rahman also said updating of the company act, bankruptcy act and insurance act, amongst others, will also positively impact FDI in the country.
Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman of BIDA, said being the country’s apex investment promotion authorities, BIDA will work closely with NCCI to attract more Nordic investments.
Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Chairman of National Board of Revenue, said “The National Board of Revenue is working tirelessly to assist all stakeholders, including foreign investors in Bangladesh.
“We are constantly updating and adopting digitization to cater to the business community. The economy of the country is robust and stable, which makes it an attractive destination for Nordic investments,” Muneem added.
NCCI President, Tahrin Aman, highlighted the Nordic companies can contribute largely to the long-term sustainable growth of Bangladesh though FDI in infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, power, healthcare, telecommunication, manufacturing and finance, with a particular focus on innovation, green transition and climate sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of the Nordic Embassies in Bangladesh, the Norwegian Ambassador, Espen Rikter-Svendsen, said, “The numerous foreign investment success stories demonstrate that Bangladesh is indeed a land of business opportunities that can be seized with the right guidance.”
“It is my hope that this booklet will contribute towards minimizing the gap and promote Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination for Nordic companies,” added Rikter-Svendsen.
Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Sweden, Norway and Finland, also spoke at the launching event. Asif Khan, CEO, Edge Research and Consulting, Barrister Omar H Khan, Managing Partner, Legal Counsel, and Snehasish Barua, Founding Partner, Snehasish Mahmud & Co, also spoke.
