Bangladesh foreign minister visits Portsmouth as talks of economic and cultural benefits in post-Brexit partnership continue
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Civic officials and representatives from the University of Portsmouth greeted Professor Dr Abul Kalam Abdul Momen this afternoon.
His appearance is part of day trip where the Bangladeshi delegation met with city leaders, visited sites such as the Spinnaker Tower, and discussed potential business opportunities.
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Hide AdPortsmouth is twinned with Sylhet, and a trade mission to the south Asian country took place in 2019.
The Union and Bangladeshi flags were raised over the Guildhall, and the foreign minister of Bangladesh expressed his joy at visiting Portsmouth – which his home city is twinned with.
He told The News: ‘This is something unique. Bangladesh is doing really well in terms of development, and our trade with the UK is pretty good.
‘We have a large blue economy, and we’re trying to level up, so we want to exchange ideas to try and achieve our goals.’
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Hide AdDr Abdul Momen said there could be potential investment in shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and other economic areas.
He added: ‘We’re building lots of ships, so we could get some expertise from here.
‘We can help facilitate business, and create many more opportunities.
‘There are opportunities in abundance, and it’s about how to grab them.’
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Hide AdPortsmouth City Council, the university, and the Portsmouth Bangladesh Business Association work with the country,
Council leader, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said the visit was important from an economic and cultural perspective, with another trade mission planned for next year.
He said: ‘This will make sure local companies benefit from increased trade.
‘Bangladesh has got an average growth rate of eight per cent over the last 10 years.
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Hide Ad‘They’re booming and we need to make sure we create wealth in Portsmouth by working with Bangladesh.’
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Bobby Mehta, associate pro vice-chancellor of global engagement at the University of Portsmouth, said benefits from the partnership include students choosing to study here, and more support for environmental projects such as plastic research.
He added: ‘The key discussions we’ll be having is listening to what Bangladesh needs, wants, and how we can support them to benefit them and Portsmouth.
‘Investment coming into the city puts Portsmouth on the map in a post-Brexit environment, to bring more jobs to the city and boost tourism.’
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