Dhaka, 13 March 2019:

Belgium is planning to send a trade delegation to Bangladesh later this year to explore trade and investment opportunities. New Belgian Ambassador to Bangladesh, with residence in New Delhi, Mr. Francois Delhaye informed this at a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen this afternoon. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Momen briefed the Ambassador about tremendous socio-economic developments that Bangladesh has achieved particularly during the last one decade under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister requested the Belgian Ambassador for his country’s partnership in Bangladesh’s journey towards a middle income country by 2021 and a developed on by 2041 in line with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2021 and Vision 2041. Dr. Momen also highlighted Bangladesh’s demographic dividend and attractive packages that are on offer for foreign direct investment (FDI). Belgian Ambassador informed the Foreign Minister about Belgian company Jan De Nul’s entering into concession agreement with the Government of Bangladesh for the dredging of Payra Port.

Rohingya issue figured high on the agenda as Foreign Minister Momen asked Belgium to continue to play leadership role in the European Union and the UN Security Council (as Belgium has been elected as non-Permanent member of the UNSC for the term 2019-2020) to mount persistent pressure on Myanmar for sustainable solution to the crisis including creating congenial environment for their safe and dignified return at the earliest. Ambassador Delhaye reiterated Belgium’s commitment to that end.

Belgian Ambassador yesterday presented his credentials to the Hon’ble President at Bangabhaban. Earlier today, he also had meetings with Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman and State Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Nasrul Hamid MP at their respective offices in Bangladesh Secretariat.