DHAKA, Oct 03, 2024 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today sought Norway’s assistance in carrying out the reform programmes of the interim government as its new Ambassador Håkon Arald Gulbransen presented credentials to him at Bangabhaban here.

“The interim government is carrying out robust economic reforms in restoring macroeconomic stability and sustained growth, with attaching priority to good governance and combating corruption and mismanagement,” he told the ambassador.

Welcoming the Norwegian ambassador, President Shahabuddin said over the last five decades, Norway has been extending development cooperation in various sectors, including rural development, education, disaster management and good governance in Bangladesh, President Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told the BSS after the meeting.

The Head of the State also appreciated Norway's continued development assistance to Bangladesh in many important areas such as primary and non-formal education, private sector development and human rights.

Highlighting the bright potentials of Bangladesh economy, he urged Norwegian businesspeople to invest in various sectors like the blue economy, particularly in deep-sea fishing, sea fish processing technology, offshore oil and gas exploration as well in renewable energy, shipbuilding and ship-recycling sectors.

Noting that fish processing and packaging have huge potential in Bangladesh, the President said Norwegian private sector can invest to explore possible areas of cooperation with Bangladesh in food value chain development.

President Shahabuddin also acknowledged Norway's humanitarian support to the Rohingya citizens in Cox's Bazar and its commitment towards a solution to protracted crisis through their (Rohingyas) safe, secure a sustainable return to Myanmar.

The existing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Norway would further grow in depth and dimensions in the days to come, he hoped.

During the meeting, the ambassador sought all-out cooperation from the President office during his assignment in Dhaka.

President Shahabuddin assured him of providing all necessary supports in discharging his duties here.

On his arrival in the Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) extended him the Guard of Honour as part of the ceremony.

President's Office Senior Secretary Dr Nasimul Ghani and Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury and Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin were present on the occasion.