Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday sought a stronger private sector role in helping Bangladesh reach its goals, including implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 saying partnership is crucial, reports UNB.
“I believe the role of private sector and active contributions of private entities like Green Delta will be useful in setting up Bangladesh’s strategic choices,” he said mentioning the achievement of SDGs by 2030 and smooth, sustainable LDC graduation by 2024 and becoming a developed country by 2041.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a function on publication of SDG report organised by Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd at a city hotel.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterson Dickson, UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, former Ambassador Farooq Sobhan and Managing Director and CEO of Green Delta Insurance Company Limited Farzanah Chowdhury were, among others, present.
Against the rising backdrop of the 50th anniversary, Dr Momen said Bangladesh needs stronger partnership between government and the private sector, civil society and non-governmental organizations.
“This partnership is crucial to ensure that our past development gains are well sustained and can become even more dynamic and inclusive,” he said.
Dr Momen said Green Delta can also help accelerate SDG achievement by assisting the government to pursue better economic diplomacy.
The Foreign Minister said they have reset foreign policy objectives and made economic diplomacy the primary focus in the conduct of foreign relations.
He said the economic diplomacy has a four-pronged strategy and the first two stages are expanding Bangladeshi exports to traditional and new markets abroad; attracting ODI and FDI in growing sectors—such as export-oriented manufacturing, light engineering, shipbuilding, agribusiness, ICT, and pharmaceuticals.
Two more areas are securing the transfer of technology, technical assistance and advisory service; and securing more employment opportunities of Bangladeshi nationals abroad.
“In all categories, I believe Green Delta can contribute through different types of activities of the Group,” Dr Momen said.