UNB, Dhaka :
British Prime M inister’s trade envoy to Bangladesh Rushanara Ali MP wants to remain a ‘strong voice’ for Bangladesh to further boost trade and investment ties utilizing powerful historic links between the two countries and its people. “It’s a great place to start,” she told UNB in an interview at British High Commissioner’s residence terming Bangladesh a very ‘innovative, creative and dynamic’ nation.
Rushanara, now in Dhaka on her first visit to Bangladesh as a trade envoy, laid emphasis on converting those relationships ‘tangible’ so that Bangladesh can see further advancement.
She is keen to ensure Britain continue to have a strong partnership with Bangladesh in promoting further development and tackling the threat of climate change.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with Bangladesh and our government to make sure that our countries benefit from stronger trade relations,” said the trade envoy adding that it is a learning visit for her in the new role. The cross-party Trade Envoy programme was established in 2012 to build bilateral trade relationships and help drive economic growth in countries identified as key markets for the UK.
Rushanara, however, thinks that it is not just narrow focus on trade rather she is thinking about the combination of three areas — economic development, social development and challenges around the climate change. “It’s really important. I’m thinking of these three.” The trade envoy who has been Shadow Minister for Education and International Development and a member of the Parliamentary Treasury Select Committee, said besides historic ties, Bangladesh has exciting opportunities for British companies as its economy is growing impressively. “The focus and attention Bangladesh is getting is an indication…as a great trading nation we in the UK are keen to deepen our trade relationship with Bangladesh,” said Rushanara. The Labour Party MP for the constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow said Bangladesh is well-placed
strategically in terms of market. Responding to a question on investment climate, the trade envoy said she is very glad to hear that the government of Bangladesh is focusing on large infrastructure projects. “You’ve to have good infrastructure. That will make a massive difference.” Rushanara laid emphasis on proper measures so that things can move “efficiently and effectively” and barriers to investors are removed. “That applies to other developing countries.”
Asked about the impact on Bangladesh following Brexit and future trade negotiations bilaterally, she said as part of the negotiations different countries and envoys will play their part as champions of strong trade relations and strengthening the relations further.
Earlier, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Alison Blake said though the UK will be leaving the European Union (EU), it remains a globally engaged nation, remains open for business, international cooperation, for investment and trade. “There’s every reason to believe that our trade partnership will be strengthened.”
Asked about their interest in special economic zones in Bangladesh, Rushanara said it is her very initial visit and she cannot give specific answer as she wants to interact with businesses from both sides.
“I’m very interested in learning about what’s happening here. We can learn many things from here,” said Rushanara who currently serves as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Energy and Climate Change. On readymade garment sector, the British trade envoy said Bangladesh is well-placed to showcase the improvement that has been made in terms of safety and standard after Rana Plaza disaster.
“You’ve to have safe conditions for employers. It’s important,” she said mentioning that she will keep absolute focus on it ensuring further support for Bangladesh. The UK has strong business interests in Bangladesh and remains the largest foreign investor. Over 240 British companies are operating in sectors, including.
British Prime M inister’s trade envoy to Bangladesh Rushanara Ali MP wants to remain a ‘strong voice’ for Bangladesh to further boost trade and investment ties utilizing powerful historic links between the two countries and its people. “It’s a great place to start,” she told UNB in an interview at British High Commissioner’s residence terming Bangladesh a very ‘innovative, creative and dynamic’ nation.
Rushanara, now in Dhaka on her first visit to Bangladesh as a trade envoy, laid emphasis on converting those relationships ‘tangible’ so that Bangladesh can see further advancement.
She is keen to ensure Britain continue to have a strong partnership with Bangladesh in promoting further development and tackling the threat of climate change.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with Bangladesh and our government to make sure that our countries benefit from stronger trade relations,” said the trade envoy adding that it is a learning visit for her in the new role. The cross-party Trade Envoy programme was established in 2012 to build bilateral trade relationships and help drive economic growth in countries identified as key markets for the UK.
Rushanara, however, thinks that it is not just narrow focus on trade rather she is thinking about the combination of three areas — economic development, social development and challenges around the climate change. “It’s really important. I’m thinking of these three.” The trade envoy who has been Shadow Minister for Education and International Development and a member of the Parliamentary Treasury Select Committee, said besides historic ties, Bangladesh has exciting opportunities for British companies as its economy is growing impressively. “The focus and attention Bangladesh is getting is an indication…as a great trading nation we in the UK are keen to deepen our trade relationship with Bangladesh,” said Rushanara. The Labour Party MP for the constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow said Bangladesh is well-placed
strategically in terms of market. Responding to a question on investment climate, the trade envoy said she is very glad to hear that the government of Bangladesh is focusing on large infrastructure projects. “You’ve to have good infrastructure. That will make a massive difference.” Rushanara laid emphasis on proper measures so that things can move “efficiently and effectively” and barriers to investors are removed. “That applies to other developing countries.”
Asked about the impact on Bangladesh following Brexit and future trade negotiations bilaterally, she said as part of the negotiations different countries and envoys will play their part as champions of strong trade relations and strengthening the relations further.
Earlier, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Alison Blake said though the UK will be leaving the European Union (EU), it remains a globally engaged nation, remains open for business, international cooperation, for investment and trade. “There’s every reason to believe that our trade partnership will be strengthened.”
Asked about their interest in special economic zones in Bangladesh, Rushanara said it is her very initial visit and she cannot give specific answer as she wants to interact with businesses from both sides.
“I’m very interested in learning about what’s happening here. We can learn many things from here,” said Rushanara who currently serves as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Energy and Climate Change. On readymade garment sector, the British trade envoy said Bangladesh is well-placed to showcase the improvement that has been made in terms of safety and standard after Rana Plaza disaster.
“You’ve to have safe conditions for employers. It’s important,” she said mentioning that she will keep absolute focus on it ensuring further support for Bangladesh. The UK has strong business interests in Bangladesh and remains the largest foreign investor. Over 240 British companies are operating in sectors, including.
