Dhaka, 12 February 2021:

A webinar titled “Increasing FDI into the Economic Zones of Bangladesh: Role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” was organized by the International Trade, Investment and Technology Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 February 2021, to identify the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the enhancement of FDI in the post Covid-19 global situation. Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP was present as the chief guest at the webinar.The webinar was chaired and conducted by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Mr. Masud Bin Momen.Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority Executive Chairman Mr. Paban Chowdhury presented the keynote presentation at the webinar. Officials of various government organizations, investors and esteemed Ambassadors/High Commissioners of the Bangladesh Embassies participated in the webinar.

The steps that need to be taken to increase foreign direct investment in Bangladesh were discussed in detail in this webinar. The delegates present at the meeting expressed their thoughtful views on the issue. In his address, theForeign Minister recalled the role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in building the independent Bangladesh. He also illustrated thatthe Government of Bangladesh under the statesmanship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working towards achieving the goal of becoming a developed country by 2041 and foreign investment has played a huge role in achieving this goal. He noted that due to the 'Balance of life and Livelihood' policy pursued by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the GDP growth rate of 5.24% has been achieved even in the midst of this ongoing pandemic.He mentioned the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in increasing foreign investment and said that the present government was giving utmost importance to economic diplomacy. He highlighted the progress of Bangladesh in various economic and social indicators and said that foreign investment has a significant role to play in accelerating industrialization, increasing employment, increasing exports and acquiring higher skills and knowledge in the country.

In his speech, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary)recalled the role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for achieving our independenceand stated thatunder the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has achieved incredible economic success in the last one decade. He mentioned that 100 special economic zones were established across the country for planned industrialization and to attract foreign investors and emphasizedon rapid and sustainable industrialization.He hoped that the economic zones would give a new impetus to the national economic progress through proper infrastructure, necessary services and timely policies. He called upon all government and non-government organizations to work together to bring in more foreign investment.At the webinar, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority highlighted the various steps taken by the government to establish economic zones in Bangladesh and gave a power point presentation on the established economic zones.

The webinar was successfully concluded with the participation of a large number of representatives from the government and non-government organizations.