'Optimistic About Economic Opportunities In Bangladesh'

Swiss Ambassador Holenstein begins Bangladesh journey with three priorities.

AKM Moinuddin

There is hardly another country with as many museums per person as Switzerland. Switzerland is also a country of music lovers, a fact which is reflected in the many clubs, festivals and concerts. Rene Holenstein, newly appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, and a big fan of rock music talked to Dhaka Courier exclusively on various aspects of relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland.

The year 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh. Culture has been an important element for Switzerland and Bangladesh during the 45 years of relationship. Keeping it in mind, the Embassy of Switzerland, in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, celebrated the 45th anniversary last week.

Talking to Dhaka Courier at his office on November 7, Ambassador Holenstein, also the author of several books that give voice to prominent people in various countries, said he is here with three priorities.

The first priority is to strengthen bilateral, political and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh; second is development cooperation and working both with the government of Bangladesh and people to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) with their development cooperation.

The third priority, Ambassador Holenstein said, is to strengthen bilateral economic relations between the two countries and contribute to growing Bangladesh economy.

Switzerland has been a committed and longstanding partner of Bangladesh introducing innovative ideas and solutions over the years.

“Our journey started 45 years ago with humanitarian assistance,” the Swiss Ambassador said adding that slowly and steadily the two countries established deep political, cultural and economic relations.