Dhaka: Outgoing Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Christian Martin Fotsch made a farewell call on President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban here this afternoon.

‘During the meeting, the envoy expressed gratitude to the president for extending cooperation to him in discharging his duties here,’ President’s Press Secretary Mohammad Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meeting.

The President said the prevailing bilateral and trade relation between two friendly countries is excellent and it has now reached a new height with intensified relation.

Mentioning that Switzerland was among the first few Western European countries to accord recognition to Bangladesh Independence on March 14 in 1972, he greeted the Swiss government and its people.

Abdul Hamid also recalled their assistance in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh since 45-year of diplomatic relation between the two countries.

Referring to the government’s plan to establish 100 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across the country under both private initiative and public- private partnership arrangements to ensure inclusive economic growth President Hamid said, ‘Switzerland can invest in this sector.’

The President told the ambassador that the trade volume between the two countries can be increased further by importing jute, jute products, ceramics, readymade garments, leather products like footwear and frozen foods alongside with the pharmaceuticals.

President Hamid hoped that the ambassador would continue to act as goodwill ambassador of Bangladesh in future.

The outgoing envoy lauded the present socio-economic development of Bangladesh and expressed his satisfaction over spending times here saying, ‘I widely visited Bangladesh . . . Country’s people are very hospitable.’

He hoped that Bangladesh would ensure more tremendous development in near future.

Secretaries concerned and high officials of Bangabhaban were also present there.