Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das has suggested to build smart city in Bangladesh in the style of India. In reply Bangladesh Finance Minister AHM Mostofa Kamal told that we have potentials and places to build smart cities. If India takes initiatives then as development partner we are ready to proceed for building smart cities, Mostofa Kamal said.
The matter was discussed on Monday(May 6) when the Indian High Commissioner gave a courtesy visit to the office of the Finance Minister at Sher -e -Bangla Nagar. In the meeting they discussed Akhaura-Agartala rail project, improvement of bilateral relation between two countries, development of socio-economic condition and other matters were discussed in the meeting.
The Finance Minister said that the relation between two countries is historical. With the passage of time the relation has become more matured. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken initiatives to build good relation with India on the basis of mutual trust, mutual interest and on the basis of self dignity, the Finance Minister said. Bangladesh gives highest importance of her relation with India.
Mostofa Kamal informed that under the third line of credit of 450 crore dollars Bangladesh is now implementing 17 priority projects in power development, rail way line, road communication, navigation and construction of port infrastructure.
Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das, describing Bangladesh as one of the most important friendly neighboring countries said that the cooperation between two countries will be continued and expansion of regional contacts will help build economic prosperity of this region.
Riva Ganguly mentioning the rail-road links between India and Bangladesh, she called upon the Bangladesh authority to improve its institutional capacity. The Indian High Commissioner expressed the interest of more Indian investment in many sectors including LNG and power sectors.
In the meeting AHM Mostofa Kamal expressed his satisfaction about the existing bilateral relation with India. The geographical location of this country has made this country a center for regional connectivity, foreign investment and global out sourcing. He said that in Bangladesh now a time of demographic dividend is going on which will last till 2061. To build skilled man power the youths are now given training on different trades. The government has set up 100 special economic zones. To fulfill the future demand reforms in our education system is going where these are being taught in phases. India can invest in this sector, if it is interested.
To check VAT evasion, the process of purchasing electronic fiscal device is under process in the NBR, Mostofa Kamal said. India can participate in this process. Beside, India can make investment in the NBR automation program, banking sector, energy sector and other sectors of mutual interests, Mostofa Kamal added.