Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Asif Ibrahim has urged the Sri Lankan investors to invest in agro-based sectors like food and food processing, paper and pulp from jute, coconut coir products, flowers and ornamental plants in Bangladesh.
He made the call when a 10-member delegation of National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka led by its president Asoka Hetiogoda met him at the DCCI office in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday.
The DCCI chief said the government of Bangladesh has provided various opportunities and a unique package of incentives for foreign investors.
The Sri Lankan investors can also invest in gas-based industries, power, fertiliser, renewable energy, backward linkage of RMG like composite textile mills, IT sector, leather and leather goods, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, light engineering, steel, infrastructure development, hospitals, education and tourism in Bangladesh.
He said both the countries should take initiative as per SAFTA to promote the welfare of the people of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to improve their lifestyle and strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest.
Asoka Hetiogoda said the economy of Sri Lanka has improved a lot after its just-ended war.
He said Bangladesh and Sri Lanka maintain many commonalities and there are ample scope for the entrepreneurs of both the countries to make joint ventures in tourism, food and food processing, spices and jewelry sector.
Asoka invited DCCI to participate in the Expo 2012 to be held in March in Sri Lanka.
DCCI senior vice president Haider Ahmed Khan, directors Bashir Ullah Bhuiyan, Mahabub Anam, Waqar Ahmad Choudhury, ASM Mohiuddin Monem, Khairul Majid Mahmud and Abul Hossain were present.
BBN/SRR/SI-24Jan12-11:55 pm (BST)