US is steadfast partners of Bangladesh and want to see its success: Envoy

US Ambassador Peter Haas said on Sunday that he has been impressed by the rapid pace with which Bangladesh is stepping into the digital age—from FoodPanda to bKash and beyond. 

“And Bangladesh’s aspirations to transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh highlights its ambition to play a key role in the digital world of this century,” he said while addressing at a discussion on "Online Freedom & Business Investment in Bangladesh" at EMK Center in Dhanmondi.

At the same time, the US envoy said the world is changing quickly and in every country governments and societies are facing dramatic changes due to the breakneck speed of new technologies. 

The challenges of accommodating these technological advancements and adjusting our legal and regulatory frameworks to reflect these changes confront us all—in the United States, in Bangladesh, and around the world, he said. 

“One of our mission’s priorities here in Bangladesh is a sustainable and broadly shared prosperity realized through the expansion and diversification of Bangladesh’s economy—an economy open to greater regional and global trade.” 

A SMART Bangladesh needs greater economic connectivity to take its place as a leader on the world stage, he said adding “and for Bangladesh to be more connected to the global economy and see increased trade and investment, global businesses must find a welcoming, enabling business environment in Bangladesh.”

Ambassador Haas said they have heard from U.S. businesses about their desire to invest and grow their business in Bangladesh. 

“The Bangladesh market is very attractive.  For this very reason, we recently opened a Foreign Commercial Service office at the embassy.   But at the same time, we hear apprehension from businesses that proposed new laws and regulations in the digital space will make it more difficult for them to do business here.”  

“We are encouraged the government of Bangladesh continues to consult with commercial and business entities, civil society, and international partners on these topics. This openness is commendable,” he said adding “We are steadfast partners of Bangladesh and want to see its success.”