Tarique Rahman pushes for greater US investment in talks with Sergio Gor

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for increased US investment and closer economic cooperation with Bangladesh during talks with visiting US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, as the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, trade, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of shared interest.

The meeting, held in a warm and cordial atmosphere at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, began at 9:30am, according to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the discussions, Gor commended Tarique Rahman's leadership, saying Bangladesh is regaining stability under his administration.

Pointing to that progress, he said the United States had upgraded its travel advisory for Bangladesh, a move he said would signal to American businesses that the country is an attractive destination for investment.

The two sides also discussed a planned visit next month by a delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council to explore investment opportunities.

They reviewed prospects for expanding cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with Gor assuring the Prime Minister of his support for resuming FDA inspection activities in Bangladesh.

Investment opportunities through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) also featured in the talks.

Tarique Rahman encouraged greater US investment, particularly in warehousing and the soybean, cotton, wheat and broader agricultural sectors, saying such investments would strengthen Bangladesh's supply chains and boost competitiveness.

Gor responded that Washington would work constructively to expand DFC-backed investment cooperation in Bangladesh.

He also informed the Prime Minister that US investors in Dhaka are interested in organising a US Investor Summit in the near future and said he is personally working to help make the initiative happen.

The Prime Minister further highlighted Bangladesh's interest in attracting American investment in the information technology sector.

Gor said Bangladesh has considerable potential in IT and suggested the country could emerge as a future partner in the Pax Silica initiative, adding that he would pursue the matter.

The Rohingya crisis was another key topic of discussion.

Referring to his visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Friday, Gor praised Bangladesh and its people for continuing to shelter displaced Myanmar nationals and provide humanitarian assistance.

Tarique Rahman thanked the United States for its continued support, noting that more than half of the international funding for the Rohingya response comes from the US government and its people.

Gor emphasised the need for a swift, sustainable and political resolution to the crisis, calling for coordinated efforts involving ASEAN, neighbouring countries and other relevant stakeholders.

Among those present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, State Minister Shama Obaed, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, advisers Rehan Asif Asad and Mahadi Amin, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Ariful Islam, and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen.

Sergio Gor arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon for a three-day visit. During the trip, he met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Thursday evening and visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Friday.