Dhaka: Austrian companies are expressing a keen interest in investing in Bangladesh as part of Austria’s strategy to strengthen economic relations with the South Asian nation, stated Katharina Wieser, the non-resident ambassador of Austria. The ambassador, who is based in New Delhi, made these remarks during her meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Wieser noted that the Austrian government is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government in its efforts to implement comprehensive reforms. She emphasized that several Austrian firms are eager to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh, including a company interested in establishing a technical school near Dhaka. However, she pointed out that some cooperation from Bangladeshi authorities is necessary to secure soft loans from Austrian financial institutions.
During the discussion, Professor Yunus assured that officials would be directed to address the
matter with the relevant Ministry. The meeting also covered a range of topics, including Bangladesh’s counterterrorism efforts, cross-border issues, human trafficking, legal migration, climate change, police reforms, and the overall law and order situation in the country.
Ambassador Wieser highlighted Austria’s long-term strategy to encourage legal migration and mentioned that Bangladeshis constitute the sixth largest migrant community in Austria. In response, Professor Yunus urged Austria to admit more Bangladeshis through legal channels to help reduce human trafficking from Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and principal coordinator of SDG affairs, and Tasbirul Islam, honorary consul of Austria.