DHAKA, Feb 1, 2024 (BSS) - Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali today
said Britain wants to support Bangladesh in different areas as it has been
working with the country for a long time and understand its situation well.

"Britain wants to help us in many ways as it has long advantage for a lot of
centuries. They (Britain) have been working with us and they understand the
situation in Bangladesh. They also have the necessary expertise, so, let us
see and we're discussing with them about the possible areas of cooperation,"
he added.

The Finance Minister was talking to reporters at his office at Bangladesh
Secretariat here today after British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah
Cooke met him.

Mahmood Ali said he had broadly suggested Britain on what sorts of
cooperation they can extend to Bangladesh adding: "It has informed us that
they are considering the possible areas of cooperation."

During the bilateral meeting, both the Finance Minister and Sarah Cooke had
discussed on how the UK and Bangladesh could work together on economic reform
issues in order to help Bangladesh to have a sustainable and successful
graduation from the LDC status.

"Because, we've a shared interest for having a prosperous and resilient
Bangladesh," the British High Commissioner added.

Later, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy made a courtesy call on
the Finance Minister at his office.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Marie said they discussed many areas
of current cooperation and the excellent relations that they enjoy with the
Ministry of Finance.

The Ambassador also discussed about the priorities of the Finance Minister in
terms of economic and financial reforms which are important areas of the new
responsibilities of the new cabinet.

"The Finance Minister shared with me his priorities and we are also
conducting some important reforms in France. That was an important exchange
and we look forward to continue our cooperation with the Finance Minister,"
she added.