Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, now in the United States, has invited the US investors to invest in Bangladesh’s readymade garment, energy and other infrastructure projects to continue its stride towards higher economic growth, reports UNB. “Bangladesh actively seeks foreign investment. US investors may now come forward to invest in Bangladesh for these sectors,” he said.Amu was addressing a seminar, titled ‘Sustainable SME Development in Bangladesh’ arranged by the Harvard University at the faculty of John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences on Wednesday. Harvard University professors Matthew Gardner and Jennifer Clifford, Tufts University Prof Jette Knudsen, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin, Bangladesh Consul General in New York Shameem Ahsan, Boston University professors Dr Syed Hasnath and Dr Nurul Amin spoke at the event, moderated by the Executive Director of International Sustainable Development Institute Iqbal Yousuf. Amu also sought US investors’ support to help grow Bangladesh’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as these are facing challenges in the current scenario. “There’re many opportunities for investing in the Bangladesh SME sector. I earnestly urge you to consider Bangladesh as your next interest for research and projection,” he said. The Industries Minister termed the SME as the lifeblood of the economy and laid emphasis on the need for basic infrastructure facilities such as roads, power, gas and water supply; and modern technology for innovation and cost reduction. Educationists, SME experts, researchers and students were present, said a press release issued by the Industries Ministry. Amu said the government is working seriously on overcoming the existing challenges that may hinder the growth and prospects of SME sector. “Updating of existing SME Development Strategic Policy is now under process,” he said adding that SMEs are the engine of economic growth in Bangladesh.
