50,000 Lankan professionals work in Bangladesh, says visiting Minister
HNB Bank recently hosted Mohammed Abdul Mannan, Bangladesh’s State Minister of Finance, during the latter’s visit to Sri Lanka.
HNB hosted a round-table discussion for its clients, currently in business and having a presence in Bangladesh, to meet with the visiting Minister together with High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, Riaz Hamidullah, for a mutual dialogue, the bank said in a media statement.
HNB’s Managing Director/ CEO, Jonathan Alles said the bank is looking forward to strengthening its support and furthering strategic partnerships with those who wish to increase their scope of business in Bangladesh.
Mr. Alles said it was a privilege and honour for the bank to have the Minister visit them and it was an oppor- tunity for their valued customers who have invested and are operating businesses in Bangladesh to have a fruitful discussion.
Minister Mannan highlighted the fact that currently there are 50,000 Sri Lankan professionals working in Bangladesh and holding high level posi- tions, providing ample opportunities for banking services.
“Bangladesh’s friendly investment regime offers tremendous opportunities for investments particularly in the areas of healthcare, ICT, hospitality and agri-business,” he explained while adding that several power generation projects plus hospitals which have been started by Sri Lankans are operating very successful.
Minister Mannan urged those present to capitalise on his country’s offering of a large stretch of pristine coastal land, suitable for tourism and hospitality plus the Free Trade Agreement ( FTA) between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Clearance by US Federal Drug Authority ( FDA) on pharmaceutical products manufactured in Bangladesh is another opportunity for investors to make full use of, he stated.