Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken stated that she regularly discusses the challenges Norwegian businesses encounter in Bangladesh with the government. However, she noted that the approval process is slow and cumbersome. Bleken expressed a desire for more Norwegian companies to invest in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of an easier business environment. She mentioned that the questions received by the embassy from Norwegian companies are mainly about the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, expressed confidence that as the investment climate improves, more companies will come to take advantage of the huge market and opportunities available in Bangladesh. He listened to the concerns of Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines and Poly ConCrete, urging them to communicate any issues they may have so that they can be resolved. He mentioned that weekly meetings are now being held to address these concerns. He stated that he does not believe there are any unresolved cases and expressed his strong attachment to improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, who attended the breakfast meeting, discussed his experiences as a news publisher and noted similarities with challenges faced by foreign companies. It is reported that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh shortly after its independence on April 14, 1972. Norway has historically been involved in development cooperation in Bangladesh. With the economic development of Bangladesh over the years, the focus has shifted from aid to trade and business. Telenor, the largest Norwegian company in Bangladesh, owns a majority stake in Grameenphone, the leading mobile operator in the country. The Varner group is a key player in the textile industry, while Cefalo, a Norwegian software company, has established its presence in Dhaka. Bergen Engines (Rolls Royce Power Systems) has also expanded its business operations in the country. The company is involved in multiple new power plant projects and has established a local office in Dhaka with a staff of 20. Other Norwegian companies operating in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also present in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported goods worth NOK 2.2 billion to Norway, primarily clothing, and imported NOK 286 million, mainly machinery and finished products. The political ties between the two countries have strengthened in recent years. The first Norwegian Foreign Minister, Børge Brende, visited Bangladesh in February 2017. During the visit, they engaged in business dialogue and discussed various issues, including the repatriation of dividends and the ease of doing business. The ambassador noted that while laws may be adequate, there is a need for professional institutions to effectively implement them. She emphasized the importance of institutional strengthening in ensuring that foreign investors can repatriate their profits in accordance with local regulations. Bangladesh, like many other nations, has established repatriation policies and foreign exchange guidelines overseen by its central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various processes exist for different types of repatriation, with entrepreneurs often requiring foreign consultants for expertise and technical knowledge. These consultants must be paid in foreign currency, leading to complications for Norwegian company officials in managing both inflow and outflow of funds. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official. "According to Bangladesh's laws, consultancy payments must be made based on revenue earnings. How can a new company without previous revenue make foreign payments for essential consultants with technology expertise?" Another official added, "The approval process is excessively bureaucratic." The challenges faced in repatriating dividends, as allowed by law, are significant, with inward funds supposed to be free and outward funds from investment profits also meant to flow freely. However, our experiences in this regard have not been positive." Each time money is sent, there is a process of approval involved, according to Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley. Foley emphasized the importance of the rule of law for businesses to operate comfortably in foreign markets. He criticized the use of "discretion" by authorities when there are no clear laws on a matter, stating that it is incorrect. Foley also mentioned that Grameenphone's significant market power status goes against the competition law of 2012, but they are managing the situation. "We are happy to operate in this country, but it is important to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that conditions are favorable for business operations," said Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com. He expressed support for BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, which are currently difficult to secure. Khalidi also urged the government to address longstanding issues that hinder investment, noting that these concerns have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s. "Bureaucrats need to adjust their mindset."