Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Farooq Khan said that Bangladesh’s relations with Turkey have grown steadily since independence, reaching new heights in the past few years. Respect, trust, solidarity and friendship between the two countries are historically established.
He said these things at a function to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Turkey at the residence of Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen in Baridhara of the capital on Thursday (February 22).
Muhammad Farooq Khan said, due to excellent bilateral relations, our two countries have engaged in multifaceted activities and exchanges. Also we support each other in danger. In February 2023, when Turkey was heavily damaged by the earthquake, we sent humanitarian aid, including search and rescue teams and medical aid, at the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It is just a symbol of our friendship and mutual support.
The minister said that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, Bangladesh has become a role model for socio-economic development and human development all over the world. Bangladesh has been promoted from the list of least developed countries to middle income country. We are working to make Bangladesh a developed and smart country by 2041.
The volume of trade between Bangladesh and Turkey is gradually increasing. Farooq Khan said that it has already crossed one billion dollars and reached close to 1.5 billion dollars. We hope to reach two billion dollars in the future. Bangladesh is a desirable destination for businessmen and investors due to its geographical and socio-economic location and the current government’s liberal and investment-friendly policies.
He said that EPZ and 100 economic zones, provision of tax holiday facilities, full repatriation of capital and profits and sovereign guarantee have made Bangladesh an investor’s paradise. Turkish investors can take that advantage if they want. I urge them to invest in various sectors including tourism, hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
