Dhaka, Dec 11 (V7N) – Norway's newly-appointed ambassador to Bangladesh, Hakon Arald Gulbransen, highlighted his country’s optimism about Bangladesh’s potential during his first courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

According to a press release, the ambassador described the relationship between the two nations as long-standing and evolving, transitioning from development collaboration to a trade-centric partnership.

Ambassador Gulbransen acknowledged Telenor’s impactful presence in Bangladesh and expressed aspirations for expanded business-to-business cooperation in the future.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain welcomed Norway's support for Bangladesh's interim government and highlighted ongoing reforms, particularly in democratic processes, governance, and the economic sector.

Emphasizing trade and investment, the adviser invited more Norwegian investments, particularly in sectors like ICT, renewable energy, and electronics, pointing to government initiatives aimed at fostering a favorable business climate, including the implementation of an effective “One Stop Service.”

Touhid also underlined the resilience of Bangladesh’s economy and reiterated the interim government’s commitment to improving human rights protections.

He noted that Bangladesh recently acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and has been elected as vice president of the UN Human Rights Council.

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