EU keen on investing in green finances
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Monday said the European Investment Bank is interested in investing in Bangladesh, particularly in climate change aid and renewable energy projects.
He made the remark at a seminar titled “Celebrating 50 Years of German – Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations” hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh at the Six Season Hotel in Dhaka, said a press release.
Whiteley went on to say that Bangladesh’s current economic relationship with European countries was still insufficiently developed to allow for a free trade agreement.
He emphasized the importance of the Bangladesh-EU-Germany relationship, as well as concerns of export diversification, duty-free access to EU markets, and shared interests in climate change mitigation between Bangladesh and EU countries.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Tröster said that Germany is forming unique climate development cooperation with Bangladesh to help mitigate the oncoming threat of climate change.
Also speaking at the event, Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, director general (West Europe & EU) under the foreign affairs ministry, said the Rohingya refugee crisis has impacted Bangladesh’s international view. “Bangladesh is now being viewed as a regional stabilizing force.”
“Bangladesh’s strategic contacts with Europe have become increasingly important as a result of this new perception, notably as a buffer against ongoing regional geopolitical power conflicts. Even if a Free Trade Agreement is not achievable, Bangladesh should pursue a more sophisticated trading relationship with Europe and Germany,” he added.
Chairman of Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI) and also managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Abdul Muktadir said the German approach of emphasizing technical skills over traditional humanities studies is critical for Bangladesh.
“We can attract more foreign investment if we improve the quality of education in science disciplines like biotech. Bangladesh must develop an environment conducive to European investment,” he added.
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