Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Italian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, not only targeting the local market but also aiming for entry into the entire South and Southeast Asian markets.
On Sunday, May 12, during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, at the Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister conveyed this message. Sheikh Hasina emphasized that businessmen and investors could consider investing in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones. She pointed out that apart from the South Asian and Southeast Asian markets, Bangladesh itself has a large domestic market which presents a golden opportunity to become a central market hub for South and Southeast Asia.
The Prime Minister added that by 2026, Bangladesh will graduate from the league of developing nations. In this context, she sought Italy’s support in maintaining the GSP Plus facility for exporting Bangladeshi products to European countries. She stressed the ample opportunities to enhance trade between the two countries and urged Italian businesses to capitalize on these opportunities.
Regarding illegal immigrants in Europe, including those from Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said her government is taking all necessary measures to prevent illegal entry into any country. It is distressing, she noted, that many are losing their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean to enter European countries. She asserted that her government is making maximum efforts to prevent illegal travel and is working on raising awareness among the public. She also requested Italy to employ more Bangladeshi labor through legal channels.
The Italian Ambassador expressed his country’s interest in transferring technology to Bangladesh and assisting in defense purchases and sector modernization. He also indicated Italy’s interest in providing Bangladesh with its second satellite.
The Secretary of the Prime Minister’s office, Mohammad Salahuddin, was present during the meeting.
