Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Monday said the United States is one of Bangladesh’s closest and most important partners in the country’s current economic progress.
“The partnership between the two countries plays a highly important role in economic prosperity, garment exports, expatriate remittances and foreign direct investment (FDI),” he told a views-exchange meeting with interfaith leaders at Gournadi Catholic Church in Barisal.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen addressed the event as the guest of honor.
Swapon said the United States is the largest single export destination for Bangladesh export-oriented garment industry.
At the same time, Bangladeshi immigrants living in the United States regularly send substantial amounts of remittances, strengthening the country’s economy, he added.
In addition, a significant share of the total foreign direct investment (FDI) coming to Bangladesh originates from the United States, making a major contribution to the country’s overall economic process, he said.
The minister welcomed and congratulated Christensen on his visit to Gournadi Upazila in Barisal, the minister’s home area.
Government officials, heads of religious institutions and local political leaders were present at the event.