"Some of the US companies are going to invest in many sectors here," he said without further elaborating on the matter.

Thomas was addressing a press conference after inaugurating the four-day 'America Week' at Rajshahi Parjatan Motel.

The US entrepreneurs invest nearly $200 million in Bangladesh every year, he said.

Talking about gas export issue, the envoy categorically denied any US pressure on Bangladesh government for exporting natural gas. "Gas is the treasure of Bangladeshi people and so the government and the people will decide on it."

About the US State Department report on human rights situation in Bangladesh he said the report was 'impartial' and 'balanced' as it was based on analysis and research of reports published in leading newspapers.

The report stated that Bangla-desh government's HR records remained 'poor'.

Earlier, inaugurating the America Week programmes at the Parjatan Motel, the US envoy said the US-Bangladesh relation was developing fast. "We are here to build bridges, to foster mutual understanding and friendship."

He hoped that the America Week would bring people of the two countries together and boost trade and commerce between them.

Post and Telecommunications Minister Aminul Haque and Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu also attended the inaugural function.

Components of the US embassy, including the American Center, the United States Agency for Inter-national Development (USAID), the US Trade Center (USTC) and the Peace Corps, among others, are taking part in the events under the America Week.

The week will feature pro-grammes, that include seminars and catalogue show, designed to showcase American cooperation with Bangladesh in a number of areas, including the activities of the USTC and USAID.