BB governor urges NRBs for investment in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) — Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Atiur Rahman has urged the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to invest more in Bangladesh for making their investment secure and profitable with taking full advantage of all facilities.

“We’re welcoming investment in different sectors particularly the upcoming hundred plus economic zones across the country,” BB Governor Dr. Rahman said while addressing at a global conference of the NRB Center at Hotel Crown Plaza in Dubai on Tuesday.

He also said: “The Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority, chaired by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will wholeheartedly welcome the NRB investors in these specially developed economic zones.” 

The central bank chief highlighted the unprecedented macro and financial stability in Bangladesh with steady economic growth bolstered by simultaneous growth in the agriculture, service and manufacturing sectors. 

He also particularly appreciated the role of NRBs in the UAE for sending nearly US$ 3.0 billion of remittances during last fiscal year. 

“Few UAE based NRB entrepreneurs are also making huge investment in Bangladesh,” Dr. Rahman explained. 

The BB Governor requested the NRBs to remain optimistic about vibrant Bangladesh, and to do everything within their reach to enhance the image of the country. 

“They should go by the rules of the host country, and remain equally responsive to its developmental needs; together we will flourish,” he noted.

Governor Dr. Rahman participated in the conference after his arrival in the city from San Francisco, where he gave a keynote address at the ‘Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI) 2015 Conference’. 

BB Governor was stopping by Dubai on his way to a global conference on ‘Islamic Finance: Meeting Global Aspirations’, jointly organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Central Bank of Kuwait.

Dr. Rahman advised Janata Bank Limited, the lone Bangladeshi bank working in the UAE, to listen to the needs of the local business people and respond to their calls without delay. 

He also asked the state-owned commercial bank to complete its ATM project as soon as possible and to provide SME loans to the young entrepreneurs in the UAE.”One day they too will invest in Bangladesh.” 

The BB Governor advised the NRBs to take advantage of the recently launched RTGS, linked with SWIFT for fast transactions.

Shekil Chowdhury, Chairman of NRB Center, presided over the conference while Consulate General of Bangladesh-Dubai and Northern Emirates Masudur Rahman and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Abrar Anwar also spoke on the occasion.