Finland is keenly interested in investing in energy and information technology (IT) sectors in Bangladesh, particularly in cyber security, artificial intelligence and electric grid management.
Non-resident Ambassador-designate of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lahdevirta expressed his country's desire while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban here.
PM's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Finnish envoy said his country has high expertise in electric grid management and so, it wants to invest in this sector.
He informed that a business delegation from his country would come to Dhaka soon to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
The prime minister said Bangladesh is going to graduate as a developing nation finally in 2026.
She sought support from Finland to continue enjoying the GSP+ facilities from the European Union for a few more years ( a larger period) to smoothen its journey towards prosperity after the LDC graduation.
The prime minister highly appreciated the excellent relations between Bangladesh and Finland as well as recalled her visits to Finland and meetings with the Finnish President in 2008 and 2019.
About the Rohingya issues, Hasina said the forcibly displaced Rohingyas have become a huge burden for Bangladesh.
But the financial assistance from the international community is declining gradually after the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza genocide by Israel and Covid-19 pandemic, she said.
As the Finland envoy wanted to know Bangladesh's stance on the election in India, the Prime Minister said her government has been following "good neighbourhood" relations in line with the cornerstone of the foreign policy, "Friendship to all, Malice towards none" adopted by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
PM's Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others, were present.
