UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy Rushanara Ali MP said on Sunday that British entrepreneurs are interested to invest more in Bangladesh, reports UNB.The two countries are in discussion on how the trade relationship can be strengthened, she added.Terming Bangladesh a close friend of the UK, Rushanara said the United Kingdom is happy to see Bangladesh’s progress.She said there is an opportunity to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries through sincere efforts from both the sides.Rushanara said this during a meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at his Banani residence in the city, according to the Commerce Ministry.She said the British investors are keen to invest in readymade garment (RMG), energy and development sectors.The trade envoy appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts after Rana Plaza incident and noted that there is an opportunity for further development in the RMG sector.Tofail Ahmed hoped that the trade relations between Bangladesh and the UK will increase even after the UK pulls out of the European Union (EU) formally.”Bangladesh is in close discussion with the UK in this regard,” said the minister.Bangladesh now enjoys duty-free and quota-free market access to the EU under everything but arms (EBA) scheme, he mentioned.Responding to a question, Tofail said the government expects that all political parties will take part in the next national election.He also hoped that the election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner.Rushanara arrived in Dhaka on Saturday evening on a five-day visit to discuss how trade and investment ties between the two countries can be strengthened further.In September last, a trade delegation of nine British railway companies, led by Rushanara, visited Bangladesh, showcasing UK expertise in the railway sector.The cross-party Trade Envoy programme was established in 2012 to build bilateral trade relationship and help drive economic growth in the countries identified as key markets for the UK.The UK has strong business interests in Bangladesh as it remains one of the largest foreign investors, officials said.Over 100 British companies are operating in sectors like retail, banking, energy, infrastructure, consultancy and education with main centres of operation in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet.The UK is also the third single largest destination for exports from Bangladesh.
