PM for boosting trade with EU countries

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today put emphasis on boosting trade and investment between Bangladesh and European Union (EU) member states.

"Bangladesh is establishing 100 economic zones across the country so that EU member states can invest for mutual benefits and thus accelerate Bangladesh's economic activities," she said.

The Prime Minister said this when outgoing EU Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon met her at her office.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the EU Ambassador also laid emphasis on improvement of trade and investment with Bangladesh, and appreciated the process made in Bangladesh-EU business dialogue to improve business environment in Bangladesh.

Pierre Mayaudon appreciated PM's personal commitment to further review Bangladesh's labour law and draft EPZ law, and said Bangladesh is a positive success story in terms of political engagement and labour rights issue.

He encouraged more Bangladesh's participation in the 80 billion euro Horizon 2020 undertaking by the EU and its member states to promote science, technology and innovation in collaboration with different countries, including Bangladesh.

Political dynamics in Bangladesh is much more peaceful, he said adding that EU is ready to send election observer mission during the next general election in Bangladesh.

He expressed his satisfaction over the 'Digital Bangladesh' move and mentioned that he witnessed huge change here during his stay, and said Bangladesh has huge potentials in blue economy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the ministries concerned to ensure adequate participation in the Horizon 2020.

She welcomed EU's interest to send election observer in the coming general election of the country which is scheduled to be held at the fag end of the next year or beginning of 2019.

Regarding the labour rights in the country, the Prime Minister said the prime aim of formation of Awami League was to promote the rights of workers and peasants of the country.

Hasina mentioned that the government has increased the wages of garment workers from Tk 1600 to Tk 5300 since 2009.

She also said the government has constructed dormitories for workers.

PM's Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi was, among others, present during the meeting.