Newly appointed German Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Fahrenholtz on Tuesday said German business community is interested to make investment in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
In response to German ambassador’s remarks, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has set up special economic zones. “They can come and set up their industries there,” she said.
In the meeting, the German Ambassador said German is providing US$ 300 million to Bangladesh for its energy and climate change projects.
“Germany can contribute more to power and energy sector,” he said adding that Bangladesh has great potentials.
The envoy said Germany highly appreciates Bangladesh for providing shelter to the Rohingyas fled persecution in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. Germany has so far provided assistance of US$ 75 million for the Rohingyas, he noted.
“We can understand the burden of giving shelter to Rohingyas as Germany also gave shelter to refugees,” the newly appointed German Ambassador said.
In reply, the Prime Minister said the number of refugees is more than that of the local people.
About the agreement signed with Germany over e-Passport project of Bangladesh, Peter Fahrenholtz said the project is progressing well and the German company is working to implement the project.
The project, titled ‘Introduction of e-Passport and Automated Border Control Management in Bangladesh’, is being implemented from July 2018 to June 2028.
About the garment workers, the German Ambassador appreciated Bangladesh for raising the minimum wage for its garment workers.
The Prime Minister recalled her stay in Germany during the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.
Sheikh Hasina also recalled that both West Germany and East Germany had supported the Liberation War of Bangladesh.