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December 07, 2005
Bill Gates keen to expand investment in Bangladesh
New Nation, Bangladesh: President of Microsoft Corporation Bill Gates on Monday expressed eagerness to expand his company’s activities in Bangladesh availing the advantage of existing congenial environment in Bangladesh.
“You have done a tremendous work. A suitable investment climate has been created here,” he told Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia when he called on her at the Prime Minister’s Office during his day-long visit to Bangladesh.
Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, who arrived here this morning on a day-long visit, said Bangladesh has many positive aspects which do not get publicity.
Accompanied by his wife Melinda Gates, the Microsoft President appreciated the hospitality he received here and hoped to visit the country again to exploit its potentials.
He appreciated the policy framework and action plans of Bangladesh for the promotion of information and communication technology (ICT) and education.
Bill Gates deeply appreciated the ICT policy and cyber laws and showed interest to expand his company’s programmes here, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Siddiqui told reporters after the meeting.
The Prime Minister said her government wants to develop highly skilled ICT manpower in the country. She mentioned various steps taken by her government in this regard.
Bill Gates said he is going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for ICT training for school teachers in Bangladesh.
Begum Zia highlighted the successes of her government in health sector, including the fall in child and maternal mortality rate and expansion of the facilities of safe drinking water.
As the Prime Minister raised the issue of child nutrition, Bill Gates, also the Chairperson of Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation, expressed eagerness to cooperate with the government in reducing neonatal threats.
He appreciated the leadership of Begum Zia and her personal commitment to development of female education, health and ICT.
Bill Gates said with Begum Zia’s support it was possible to establish his foundation-sponsored Asian Women University in Chittagong. The university will collaborate with other universities in ICT education, he added.
Science and ICT Minister A Moyeen Khan, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Siddiqui were present.
Tarique Rahman visited the office of Microsoft in Seattle in April this year at the invitation of Bill and Belinda Foundation. He was received there by Bill Gates. During his visit Tarique Rahman invited the Microsoft high-ups to visit Bangladesh to see the steps taken for the development of ICT.
Posted by admin at December 7, 2005 03:44 AM