Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed her government’s interest in joint venture collaboration with the Maldives for fishing in deep sea alongside tapping the huge potentials of food processing industries.
The Prime Minister showed the interest when newly appointed High Commissioner of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Asim met her at her office. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction that a large number of Bangladeshis are employed in the Maldives and contributing to the economies of both the countries.
Laying emphasis on regional connectivity through the BBIN and BCIM initiative, the Prime Minister underscored the need for strengthening air connectivity with all the Saarc member countries. Referring to Bangladesh’s friendly relations with the Maldives, Hasina said, “We’re always ready to extend cooperation to the Maldives.”
About the government’s drive for rapid digitalisation, the Prime Minister said the digital system is progressing fast and her government has been providing some 200 various types of digital services through the countrywide digital centers. Citing the huge potentials of establishing food processing industries in Bangladesh, she said there could be joint cooperation in this sector for tapping the opportunities.
Regarding the Maldives’ interest in importing soil from Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the Maldives could take that from Bangladesh.
The Maldives High Commissioner appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s initiative towards building Digital Bangladesh. He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister as a large number of Maldivian students are now studying in Bangladesh in various disciplines, especially in medical science.
In this connection, Sheikh Hasina said two more medical universities would be set up in Chittagong and Rajshahi. The High Commissioner also conveyed greetings to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Maldivian president. PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum was, among others, present.
