EU ready to support the Bangladesh's reform agenda
The new European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller conveyed readiness of the EU to support the reform agenda of the Interim Government, while paying an introductory courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain this morning at the latter’s office.
Ambassador Miller acknowledged the students-led mass movement as a significant and rare opportunity for positive change. He expressed the EU's full support for Bangladesh's transition and reform efforts, particularly in areas such as human rights, governance, and the democratic process.
The Ambassador emphasized the EU's desire to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh by increasing investment and supporting the country as it graduates from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. In response, Foreign Adviser Hossain welcomed the EU's assistance and highlighted efforts to create a more favorable business environment to strengthen trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the EU.
The Adviser described the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU as vibrant and significant, requesting EU support in sectors like health and education, with special attention to enhancing technical and vocational training institutes. He also highlighted the need for assistance in recovering stolen assets held abroad by certain Bangladeshi individuals, to which the EU Ambassador offered technical support.
Ambassador Miller further discussed the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) current projects in Bangladesh, including 900 million Euros in investments across the rail, energy, water, and health sectors. He expressed the EIB’s interest in expanding its investment portfolio in the country.