Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need to enhance business relations among Commonwealth countries to drive their socioeconomic development. During a meeting with a delegation from the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) at her official residence, Ganabhaban, the PM expressed her belief that strengthening business bonds within the Commonwealth would pave the way for progress.
The delegation, led by CWEIC Deputy Chair Lord Hugo George William Swire, discussed the upcoming “Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum” scheduled to take place in Dhaka on September 13-14. The forum, organized by CWEIC, aims to boost trade, commerce, and investment among Commonwealth nations, including Bangladesh.
PM Hasina also stressed the importance of establishing robust business connections with non-Commonwealth countries, particularly oil-rich Middle Eastern nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Her speechwriter, Md. Nazrul Islam quoted the PM as highlighting the significance of expanding economic ties beyond the Commonwealth.
Recalling the pivotal role played by the Commonwealth in facilitating her return to Bangladesh in 2007, PM Hasina expressed gratitude for their support. She acknowledged that the Commonwealth’s pressure had helped overcome restrictions imposed by the then-caretaker government.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Salman Fazlur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser, and Mohammad Salahuddin, Prime Minister’s Office Secretary.
PM Hasina warmly welcomed the CWEIC’s decision to hold the trade and investment forum in Dhaka and expressed her commitment to fostering closer economic collaboration among Commonwealth nations.
