HPM Sheikh Hasina seeks more British investment in Bangladesh

"Our government has started work on setting up 100 economic zones with all facilities across the country for further industrialisation and employment generation. So the British entrepreneurs could avail this opportunity by making massive investment in these economic zones," she said.

The premier came up with the request when visiting UK Minister of State at the Department for International Development (DFID) Rory Stewart, MP, paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence here this afternoon.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said they discussed various issues including Bangladesh's health and education sectors development.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has historically close relations with the United Kingdom and mentioned its continued assistance in uplift of different sectors in the country, particularly health sector.

The premier said her government has given priority to the development of health and education sectors and added that community clinics have been set up across the country to reach healthcare services to the rural people.

She said the rural people have been made aware of their food nutrition and this is now yielding positive results.

Pointing out her government's achievements in the child healthcare and poverty alleviation, the prime minister said diseases like malaria and smallpox have totally been eliminated from the country.

At the meeting, the UK state minister gave assurances of continuing the assistance being provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) for further development of Bangladesh.

Stewart said the UK government is also interested in further deepening business ties with Bangladesh.

He highly appreciated Bangladesh's stunning successes and development in various sectors particularly in the health sector under the leadership of the prime minister and said the country has a "nursery of innovation".

The UK state minister informed the premier that the English cricket team would visit Bangladesh as per schedule.

Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake were present.