Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken stated that they regularly discuss the challenges faced by their businesses in Bangladesh with the government. She mentioned that the approval process is slow and cumbersome. Bleken emphasized the importance of improving the ease of doing business in Bangladesh to attract more Norwegian companies for investment. She mentioned that the questions the embassy receives from Norwegian companies are mainly about the business climate. "When the conditions for investing are getting better, I believe more companies will be interested in coming here. This market is vast and presents a great opportunity," said Kazi M Aminul Islam, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority. He recently met with representatives from Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete, where he urged them to communicate any concerns they may have and assured them that those issues would be addressed. He also mentioned that they now hold weekly meetings to address any issues that arise. He said he doesn't believe there are any unresolved cases and emphasized the importance of ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, also attended the breakfast meeting and discussed the challenges faced by news publishers, which are similar to those faced by foreign companies. The relationship between Bangladesh and Norway is reported to be positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh shortly after its independence in 1972. Norway has historically been involved in development cooperation in Bangladesh. However, as Bangladesh's economy has grown, aid has been replaced by a focus on trade and business. The leading Norwegian companies in Bangladesh include Telenor, which owns a majority stake in Grameenphone, Varner group in the textile industry, Cefalo in software, and Bergen Engines in business activity. The company is involved in multiple new power plant initiatives and operates a local office in Dhaka with a staff of 20. 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, and imported NOK 286 million worth of machinery and finished products. Political ties between the two countries have strengthened in recent years. Foreign Minister Børge Brende made a historical visit to Bangladesh in February 2017, becoming the first Norwegian Foreign Minister to do so. During the visit, discussions were held on various topics, including the repatriation of dividends and ways to improve the ease of doing business. The ambassador emphasized the importance of professional institutions to effectively implement laws, noting that institutional strengthening is crucial for foreign investors to abide by the rules and regulations of the country. Similar to other nations, Bangladesh has regulations regarding repatriation and foreign exchange guidelines established by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures are in place for different types of repatriation activities. Business owners often seek the assistance of foreign consultants for expertise and technical knowledge from overseas. These consultants must be compensated, and the payment is typically required to be remitted in foreign currency. However, representatives from Norwegian companies expressed difficulty in navigating the process for both the inflow and outflow of funds during a recent meeting. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official. "According to Bangladesh's law, consultancy payments must be made based on revenue earnings. How can a new company without any previous revenue make foreign payments to consultants who are essential for technology know-how?" Another official remarked that the approval process is excessively bureaucratic. The challenges faced in repatriating dividends, as permitted by law, are significant. Inward funds are meant to be unrestricted, and outward funds from investment profits are expected to flow freely as well. "However, our experiences in this regard have not been positive." Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley emphasized the importance of the rule of law in foreign markets, stating that it is crucial for businesses to feel comfortable operating. He expressed concern over authorities using discretion when there is no clear law on an issue, citing it as wrong. Foley also mentioned the significant market power status of Grameenphone, which he acknowledged goes against competition laws, but stated that they are managing the situation. We are happy to do business in this country, but it is important to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that operating here is made easier for everyone. We support BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, which are currently difficult to secure. Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, emphasized the need for the government to address these ongoing issues, stating that they have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s on promoting investment. Bureaucrats need to alter their mindset.