Switzerland to give 70 locomotives

Bangladesh would get 70 locomotives from Switzerland to strengthen its railway network.

The process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the locomotives has almost been completed.

Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Fotsch said this during a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office here today.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the Prime Minister extended her thanks to the Swiss government for cooperation in railway sector.

It will help improve connectivity with the neighbouring country and within the country, the prime minister said.

The Swiss envoy praised Bangladesh's progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the years. Constant growth of GDP of Bangladesh is appreciable, he noted. 

Pointing out the growing economic cooperation of his country with Bangladesh, the envoy said a Swiss company is likely to export LNG to Bangladesh and an MoU in this regard is expected to be signed soon.

During the meeting, the prime minister invited more Swiss investment in Bangladesh mentioning the advantage of cheap labour and other facilities here.

Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build Bangladesh as the Switzerland of the East. But the great leader was killed before his dream came true, she said.

The PM's Press Secretary said the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland. She laid importance on more high level visits to expand the bilateral relations.

Later Swedish ambassador to Bangladesh Johan Frisell also made a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.

During the meeting, the envoy said his country is keen to expand cooperation in the energy sector.

The press secretary said the prime minister welcomed the interest of Sweden saying energy demand in Bangladesh is growing fast with the rise of purchasing power of the people.

Sheikh Hasina said her government opened private investment in energy sector to meet the growing demand as energy is the key to development. Bangladesh's electricity generation capacity has increased up to 15,000 MW from 1,600 MW in 2006, she said.

The prime minister said Sweden can also consider investment in other sectors in the Special Economic Zones to be set up in Bangladesh.

The prime recalled her recent visit to Sweden which was also the first bilateral visit of a head of government of Bangladesh to Stockholm.

The envoy said the visit of Sheikh Hasina has expanded the relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Hasina said her government is giving importance to the interest of the working class people and help them get a decent life.

Source: bss