PM for strengthening trade relations among Commonwealth

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today emphasised on strengthening business relations among the Commonwealth.

"Commonwealth countries should strengthen business relations among themselves for their socioeconomic development," she said when a delegation of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), led by its deputy chair Lord Hugo George William Swire, called on her at her official residence Gono Bhaban this evening.

Apart from the Commonwealth countries, Hasina also put emphasis on building strong business relations with non-Commonwealth countries, especially oil-rich Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the premier's speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam quoted her as saying.

He said the prime minister was apprised of the two-day first-ever "Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum" to be held in Dhaka on September 13-14.

CWEIC will organise the forum to boost trade, commerce, and investment among the Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh.

The prime minister welcomed the CWEIC to hold the forum.

During the meeting, Hasina recalled the role of the Commonwealth as it pressurised the then-caretaker government in 2007 to allow her to return home. The caretaker government imposed restriction on her return to Bangladesh.

The other members of the delegation are CWEIC director of operations Daniel Sean Leno, strategic advisor Zillur Hussain, MBE, and strategic partner Shahinuzzaman.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman and Prime Minister's Office Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin were present.