Cox’s Bazar: A Finnish company has expressed interest in establishing a plastic recycling plant in Cox’s Bazar to produce plastic sheets, with Finnish businesses keen on expanding investments in Bangladesh. Non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh, Kimmo Lahdevirta, conveyed this during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting took place in the Chief Adviser’s office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Finnish company aims to recycle single-use plastics in Cox’s Bazar, converting them into plastic sheets that can be utilized in shelters within the Rohingya camps. During the meeting, various topics were discussed, including the student-led mass revolution, interim government reforms, trade, investment, and regional geopolitical issues.
Ambassador Lahdevirta expressed his government’s full support for the Prof Yunus-led interim government and expressed a desire to contribute to the country’s reform efforts. Additionally, the Finnish government plans to grant one mi
llion euros for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh, with another million euros to be channeled through civil society organizations.
Professor Yunus discussed the student revolution, the work of the Reform Commissions, and the public’s expectations from his government. He highlighted that the Bangladesh economy was in disarray when the dictator fled the country, but swift and decisive reform measures have helped stabilize the situation. He noted the growth of reserves and the government’s ability to make international payments without using foreign currency reserves.
Furthermore, the ambassador mentioned that more Finnish businessmen are interested in visiting Bangladesh for investment opportunities and urged the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority to expedite the processing of foreign direct investment. He also expressed Finland’s interest in recruiting Bangladeshi students and skilled workers, as well as capacity building in AI, cyber security, and quantum computing sectors.
The Chief Adviser assured the
ambassador of all possible cooperation from the Bangladesh government in fulfilling his duties.