Dutch envoy for branding Bangladesh

Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry Verweij has called for branding Bangladesh with a positive image to lure more foreign investments.

“Our aim is to support Bangladesh’s positive image. Brand Bangladesh should be rejuvenated,” he said at a press meet at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in Dhaka city today.

Netherlands is a major destination for Bangladesh’s exports, especially textile commodities, he said, adding that Bangladeshi factories have made much progress ever since the Rana Plaza tragedy, but more needs to be done.

“But, keep the door open for international cooperation. Focus on safety,” Harry Verweij said.

Asked on the investment barriers, he said there are dozens of Dutch companies operating in Bangladesh and those are examples of how to do business here. However, fraudulence and corruption are some of the challenges faced by foreign companies, he added.

Bangladesh is a country of opportunities, it has a vibrant economy and the people here are welcoming, he said, adding that these aspects of the country have to be highlighted more than the ones that talks of poverty and disasters.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) organised the programme.