Sweden on Thursday expressed its interest to work together with Bangladesh in prospective areas, particularly in energy sector.

Outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Johan Frisell came up with the offer when he paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.

After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Welcoming the Swedish offer, the Prime Minister said her government has opened the energy sector to the private sector that has already played a very important role in achieving over 15,000 MW power generation capacity from 1600 MW, reports the UNB.

She mentioned that the electricity is the key to development while the demand of electricity is growing with the increase in the purchasing power of people.

About social welfare, Sheikh Hasina said, the government always puts importance to the interests of workers to help them improve their lifestyle.

She recalled her recent visit to Sweden saying it was the first bilateral visit to Sweden by any head of government of Bangladesh.

In reply, the envoy said, her visit expanded and strengthened the bilateral ties between Dhaka and Stockholm.

Highly appreciating Bangladesh’s success in women empowerment, Johan Frisell put emphasis on their greater participation in politics to strike a balance of power that could help develop the country further.

He termed the H&M -a Swedish Company as the biggest Readymade Garments (RMG) product buyer.

The Ambassador also highly praised the fast economic growth of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

Referring to his stay in Dhaka, the outgoing Swedish Ambassador mentioned that he enjoyed his tenure in Bangladesh saying the country is fantastic while people are very polite, active and generous.