DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the Bangladesh ambassadors, high commissioners in European countries to pursue the economic diplomacy alongside the political one.

The premier was addressing the first-ever Bangladeshi envoys conference at a hotel in London, the British capital on Saturday (July 20) afternoon (London time).

Later, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the journalists.

Emphasizing the importance of economic diplomacy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, alongside the political diplomacy we have to pay more importance on our economic issues to continue the ongoing development process of Bangladesh. 

The premier called upon the envoys to put in their efforts to attract more investment in the country, boost trade and commercial relations and enhance Bangladesh’s image further in Europe.

At the same time, Sheikh Hasina also directed the envoys to provide better and faster services to expatriate Bangladeshis living in different countries.

A total of 15 Bangladesh ambassadors, high commissioners and permanent representatives posted in different countries of Europe attended the conference titled “Envoys (in Europe) Conference” at a local hotel.

Stressing the need to increase export of skilled human resources especially in Europe's labor market, the Prime Minister said that a large number of skilled human resources have been developed through skill development activities. According to the demand of the global job market, Bangladesh now has a large and efficient youth force.

Sheikh Hasina also asked the ambassadors to identify obstacles in the development of economic relations in the respective country where they assigned and to find ways to solve it to bolster economic ties. 

Referring to the specific goal of building a prosperous Bangladesh in 2041, the Prime Minister said that in the past, GDP was able to achieve 8.1 percent. Setting targets for 8.2 percent of GDP growth in FY2019-20.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen also spoke on the occasion while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Premier’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman and Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque were present.

BDST: 1521 HRS, JULY 21, 2019
RS/SMS