Nordic Countries
Nordic countries keen to have stronger partnership with Bangladesh: Envoys say at Cosmos Dialogue
Nordic ambassadors stationed in Dhaka have said that their countries want to have a “stronger and sustainable” partnership with Bangladesh, exploring scopes for greater collaboration on key fronts – climate, green transition, technology transfer, healthy oceans, gender equality, trade and investment – continuing the friendship for the coming 50 years and beyond.
Delivering a keynote speech at the latest instalment of Cosmos Dialogue, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter Svendsen and the Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen also highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in Bangladesh, multilateralism, global solidarity, international law and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, hosted the webinar titled “Bangladesh-Nordic Relations: Prognosis for the Partnership” as part of its ongoing Ambassador's Lecture Series. The webinar will be aired on UNB’s social media this (September 29, 2022) evening.
Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening remarks while the session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.
Professors at Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr Lailufar Yasmin spoke as discussants.
“We have made a remarkable journey together during these 50 years. Our partnership has been through challenges and successes. And we have stood firmly by Bangladesh’s side,” said Danish Ambassador Petersen.
She said it is fair to say that the Nordic countries want to continue as trusted partners and friends to Bangladesh.
Time to invest in Bangladesh, Tipu Munshi tells Nordic countries
It is high time to invest in Bangladesh as the government is providing special facilities for investment, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Sunday addressing the representatives of Nordic countries.
Bangladesh now stands on a strong economy and development is now visible here, he said.
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The minister made this remark at an event on ‘Foreign Direct Investment for Logistic Sector’ organised by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden embassies and the head of the delegation of the European Union at Hotel Westin in Dhaka.
Besides, Bangladesh will graduate from the status of the least developed country (LDC) in 2041 by achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in 2030, he added.
The minister said Bangladesh is a big market of about 17 crore people and 45 percent of the people have better purchasing power.
Nordic countries’ assistance to Bangladesh to continue: envoys
Three Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway and Sweden- have assured Bangladesh of continuing their assistance for the economic development of the country.
The Danish, Norwegian and Swedish ambassadors to Bangladesh -- Winnie Estrup Petersen, Espen Rikter-Svendsen and Alex Berg von Linde respectively-- said this at a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday.
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The three diplomats jointly paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at the latter’s official residence Ganobhaban on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Nordic countries.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The envoys congratulated the prime minister on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the three Nordic countries.
They said their countries had given recognition to Bangladesh in 1972 soon after the independence.
They praised the progress of Bangladesh particularly the social development gained following the footsteps of Bangabandhu.
The ambassadors highly appreciated the prime minister for providing houses to the landless and homeless people.
Nordic countries want to invest more in Bangladesh
The Nordic countries are eyeing a stronger partnership with Bangladesh by making more investment here.
Cosmos Dialogue on Bangladesh’s ties with Nordic countries Saturday
A symposium titled 'Bangladesh and Nordic Countries: Prognosis for Partnership’ will be held at Six Seasons Hotel in the city on Saturday.