DHAKA, Sept 5, 2024 (BSS) - France has offered technical, legal, and institutional support to help implement the reform agenda of Bangladesh's interim government, with a particular focus on tackling corruption, improving governance, and strengthening the financial system.
 
The offer was made during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy at the foreign ministry here, said a press release.
 
This marked Masdupuy's first official meeting with the foreign affairs adviser.
 
During the meeting, Ambassador Masdupuy noted the growing interest of French companies in investing and doing business in Bangladesh, citing improvements in the business environment and positive developments across various sectors under the interim government.
 
She also delivered a congratulatory message from the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, St,phane S,journ,, to the foreign affairs adviser.
 
Highlighting the long-standing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France, Hossain welcomed France's interest in supporting the interim government's reform initiatives.
 
He emphasized the government's commitment to enacting visible and sustainable reforms aimed at enhancing the business climate and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), including significant improvements in the labour sector and human rights.
 
Hossain also referenced Bangladesh's recent accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance as part of the broader reforms.
 
Addressing concerns raised by the French ambassador, Hossain reaffirmed Dhaka's commitment to preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling from Bangladesh to Europe.
 
On the Rohingya issue, he stressed the importance of international pressure on Myanmar to achieve a durable solution through the safe, secure, and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State.
 
The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral development cooperation, climate change, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.