Travel  |  Business World  |  Women's World  |  Entertainment

Change Your Life!

Switzerland for development of EPZs in Bangladesh

News
Sports
Chat
Travel
Dhaka Today
Yellow Pages
Higher Education
Ask a Doctor
Weather
Currency Rate
Horoscope
E-Cards
B2K Poll
Comment on the Site
B2K Club

December 10, 2000 

Bern (Switzerland)-- (UNB)– The official level talks between Bangladesh and Switzerland on Friday focussed on the means of development of export processing zones (EPZs) in Bangladesh and expansion of the export-led growths.

The two sides discussed how Switzerland could be involved more in the development process of Bangladesh, particularly in the business sector and also in growing sectors like information technology (IT) and agro-based industries.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who led the Bangladesh side at the talks, elaborated the steps taken for the development of the country’s economy and bringing changes in the social sector.

She urged the Swiss government for expanded cooperation in the IT sector, infrastructure building and in science and technology.

The meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere where matters of bilateral interest came up for discussion, PM’s Press Secretary Jawadul Karim told newsmen after the meeting at Von Wattenwyl House.

Federal Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Switzerland Joseph Deiss led the home side at the talks.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister said her government believes in deep rooting of democracy and mentioned her long struggle for the restoration of democracy, which was snatched after the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She recalled that when Bangbandhu was rebuilding the war-ravaged Bangladesh he received many help from the Swiss government. “In 1971, our great leader Bangbandhu spent a few days of convalescence in Geneva. As a member of his family, I know how much he had enjoyed his stay in Geneva,” Hasina said.

His admiration for your great country was reflected when Bangabandhu on return home had declared his vision to transform Bangladesh into a “Switzerland of the East,” she said.

She said when Bangabandhu was working for bringing economic emancipation of the people, a group of disgruntled army killed him along with other family members.

Referring to her long struggle for the establishment of democracy, Hasina said many countries of Europe and Asia, including Switzerland, had extended their hand of friendship.

After coming to power, she said, her government has undertaken many programmes for the advancement of underprivileged section of the society and developing a safety network for the people.

The Prime Minister, during the talks, requested the Swiss government to share experience in Information Technology, infrastructure building and for the promotion of science and technology.

Swiss Federal Counsellor and Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss said that his government would takes step for increasing cooperation with Bangladesh in infrastructure development and in other sectors.

The Swiss government is very happy to see the democratisation in Bangladesh, he said adding: “Your effort for the pursuing of democracy is great.”

He also praised Sheikh Hasina’s effort for the establishment of peace.

Deiss said his country needs people in the IT sector and is thinking of expanding Swiss projects in different socio-economic sectors in Bangladesh.

The Swiss Federal Counsellor and Foreign Minister said his country would also think about development of EPZs in Bangladesh and increase in export-led growth. “We will think how we can be involved in this process.”

He praised the Bangladesh government’s effort for successful disaster management and specially mentioned the steps taken for the empowerment of women.

The Bangladesh side mentioned that the government has adopted a special policy for the advancement of women and taken special projects for socio-economic uplift.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister SA Samad, Foreign Secretary CM Shafi Sami, PM’s Press Secretary Jawadul Karim, Bangladesh Ambassador to Switzerland Mohammad Zahir and Bangladesh Representative at UN office in Geneva Ambassador Iftekhar Chowdhury were present.

Send This News to a Friend