"Bangladesh is back to business in a big way, we want your partnership."

Emphasizing the significant strides made to enhance the investment environment, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (22 April) called on Qatari investors to invest in Bangladesh to take advantage of the immense potentials that the country offers.

"Bangladesh is now back to business... back to business in a big way. We want your partnership," the Chief Adviser said in his speech in a programme titled 'Bilateral Investment Opportunities Between Bangladesh and Qatar'.

The Chief Adviser said the interim government had taken many steps to improve the investment climate in the country and was dedicated to creating New Bangladesh free from corruption, reports UNB.

He shared the inspiring story of how Bangladesh once convinced Norwegian telecom operator Telenor to set up a telephone company in the country that in turn became its biggest profit-making venture.

Azad Ashraf, president of Bangladesh Forum, Qatar, delivered the welcome speech.

BIDA executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury gave a presentation before potential Qatari investors and non-resident Bangladeshis about investment opportunities in Bangladesh and the reforms undertaken by the country's Interim Government to make business and investment easier.

"If you ever consider Bangladesh the investment destination, this is probably the best time to do it," he said.

Addressing the event, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said when the interim government assumed office, Bangladesh had an outstanding debt of 3.2 billion US dollars, which has now come down to 600 million dollars. They include 254 million outstanding payments to Qatar Energy, which have come down to nil by Wednesday, he said.

He explained the interim government's plan for energy safety and improved infrastructure for their benefit.

Qatar's Deputy Under Secretary for Industry and Business Development Saleh Majed Al Khalafi, co-founder of Next Smart Solutions Ali Ben Fardj, among others, spoke atvthe programme.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was among those present while Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Nazrul Islam delivered the closing remarks.