Bangladesh invites German car companies to set up assembly plants

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen addresses the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) in Berlin on 17 October. Photo: UNB
Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen addresses the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) in Berlin on 17 October. Photo: UNB

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has invited the German car manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen to set up their assembly plants at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpanagar in Chattogram, reports UNB.

The minister also explained various aspects of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) the government has set up in different places of the country.

The foreign minister, while addressing the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) in Berlin on Thursday, highlighted the investment opportunities on a win-win basis.

He called upon the German businesses to invest in Bangladesh taking advantage of business-friendly policies and environment in Bangladesh.

The minister also called upon them to invest in infrastructure, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh, said the foreign ministry on Friday.

Momen informed the German manufacturers of the skilled, young labour force available at competitive wages, and assured them of complete support of the Bangladesh government in ensuring profitable investments by the German companies.

He urged the German companies as well as the German government to help Bangladesh in skill development.

Referring to the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) recently formed under PMO, the foreign minister requested for assisting Bangladesh in building a strong work force of skilled young population, explaining that it would create a win-win situation for Bangladesh and the potential German investors.

BGMEA president Rubana Huq participated at the meeting along with foreign minister Momen. She also invited German businesses to invest more in Bangladesh in a sustainable way that would ensure better wages, better prices, and better consumer satisfaction.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen (3rd L) holds meeting with Tobias Pflueger, member of German Federal Parliament and chairman of the South-Asian Parliamentary Group in Berlin on 17 October. Photo: UNB
Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen (3rd L) holds meeting with Tobias Pflueger, member of German Federal Parliament and chairman of the South-Asian Parliamentary Group in Berlin on 17 October. Photo: UNB

During the day, foreign minister Momen also addressed the 7th International Conference on Bangladesh organised by the Bangladesh Forum in Germany where he highlighted the successes achieved and challenges faced by the government in achieving Vision 2021 and Vision 2041.

He called upon the international community to help Bangladesh in its journey forward.

Momen also explained the Rohingya crisis to the international audience and called for more active role of the friends of Bangladesh in solving the crisis urgently.

He also held a meeting with Tobias Pflueger, Member of German Federal Parliament and Chairman of the South-Asian Parliamentary Group.

At the meeting held in German Parliament, foreign minister highlighted the successes of Bangladesh in achieving inclusive development by ensuring eradication of poverty at fast and sustainable rate, and at the same time by addressing the related challenges so that no one is left behind.

He requested the chairman to take appropriate measures in German Parliament to ensure fair prices for the Bangladeshi textile products.

The foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday began his visit to a number of European countries as Bangladesh is giving much importance to boosting its export to the European market with diversification of products as part of its economic diplomacy.

The minister is scheduled to return home on 30 October.