The Norwegian Ambassador, Sidsel Bleken, stated that they frequently discuss the challenges faced by Norwegian businesses in Bangladesh with the government. However, she mentioned that the approval process is slow and cumbersome. Bleken expressed the desire to see more Norwegian companies investing in Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of an easy business environment. She made these remarks after meeting with Norwegian businesses in Dhaka at her residence on Monday. Bleken noted that most questions received by the embassy from Norwegian companies pertain to the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, emphasized that with an improving investment climate, more companies are likely to enter the market, presenting a significant opportunity. He addressed concerns raised by Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete, urging them to communicate any issues they may have so they can be addressed promptly. He mentioned that weekly meetings are now held to address and resolve these concerns. He stated that he believes there are no unresolved cases and emphasized his strong commitment to improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, spoke about his experiences as a news publisher, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign companies. The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are reported to be positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh shortly after its independence in 1972. Norway's engagement in Bangladesh has historically focused on development cooperation. With Bangladesh's economic development over time, aid has been substituted with a greater focus on trade and commerce. Telenor, the largest Norwegian contributor in Bangladesh, holds a majority stake in Grameenphone, the nation's leading mobile service provider with more than 70 million users. The Varner group is a significant player in the textile sector, while Cefalo, a Norwegian software company, operates its own office 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 initiatives and operates a local office in Dhaka with a staff of 20 individuals. Other Norwegian businesses in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also established in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported NOK 2.2 billion worth of goods to Norway, primarily clothing, while importing NOK 286 million in machinery and finished products. Additionally, the political ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent times. In February 2017, Foreign Minister Børge Brende became the first Norwegian Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh. The ambassador mentioned that they regularly engage in business dialogue, focusing on topics such as repatriation of dividends and improving the ease of doing business. While some laws may be adequate, there is a lack of professional institutions to enforce them, making institutional strengthening crucial. Foreign investors typically send their profits back to their home countries in accordance with the laws and regulations of the host country. Bangladesh, like many other nations, has established policies on repatriation and foreign exchange regulations overseen by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures are in place for different types of repatriation, including the need for foreign consultants to provide expertise and technical knowledge. Payment for these services typically must be made in foreign currency, leading to complexities for Norwegian company officials in managing both inflows and outflows of funds. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official, referring to the requirement under Bangladesh's law to pay consultants based on revenue earnings. This poses a challenge for new companies without previous revenue to make foreign payments for necessary technology consultants. Another official described the approval process as overly bureaucratic. When it comes to repatriating dividends as allowed by law, the officials noted that the challenges are significant. While inward funds and outward funds from investments are supposed to flow freely, the officials shared that their experiences have not been positive. Sending money involves a rigorous approval process each time, according to Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley. He emphasized the importance of the rule of law for businesses to operate comfortably in foreign markets. Foley pointed out that authorities sometimes use their discretion in the absence of specific laws, which he believes is not right. He also mentioned Grameenphone's significant market power, which he acknowledged goes against competition laws but stated that they continue to manage the situation. "We are pleased to continue operating in this country," he said. "However, it is important to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that operating in this country is made easier for people. We are in support of BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, which are currently difficult to obtain." Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, emphasized the need for the government to address these longstanding issues. "The points they have raised are valid," he said, noting that he had been discussing these issues since the 1990s in his editorials on investment facilitation. Bureaucrats need to adjust their mindset.