The Norwegian Ambassador, Sidsel Bleken, stated that they frequently communicate with the government about the challenges their businesses encounter in Bangladesh. However, obtaining approval is a slow and complicated process. Bleken expressed a desire for more Norwegian companies to invest in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of an easier business environment. She shared these thoughts after meeting with Norwegian businesses in Dhaka, where questions about the business climate are commonly raised to the embassy. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, expressed confidence that with an improving investment climate, more companies will be attracted to the market, presenting a significant opportunity. He listened to the concerns of Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete, and encouraged them to voice any issues they may have and assured them that they will be addressed. Additionally, he mentioned that they now hold meetings every week to address these concerns. He stated that he believes there are no ongoing cases, emphasizing his strong commitment to promoting ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, also attended the breakfast meeting and discussed his experiences as a news publisher, noting similarities with 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 primarily focused on development cooperation. However, as Bangladesh's economy has grown over time, aid has been gradually replaced by a stronger focus on trade and business. The biggest Norwegian presence in Bangladesh is Telenor, which holds a 55.8 percent stake in Grameenphone, the country's largest mobile operator serving over 70 million customers. In the textile sector, the Varner group is a key player, while Norwegian software company Cefalo has established 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 also has a presence in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported goods worth NOK 2.2 billion to Norway, primarily clothing, while importing NOK 286 million worth of machinery and finished products. Political relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent years. The first Norwegian Foreign Minister, Børge Brende, visited Bangladesh in February 2017. During the visit, the ambassador mentioned that they regularly engage in business dialogue. The main topics of discussion included repatriation of dividends and other issues related to facilitating business operations. The ambassador noted that while laws may be in place, there is often a lack of professional institutions to enforce them, highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening. Foreign investors typically follow the rules and regulations of a country when repatriating their profits. Similar to other nations, Bangladesh has established policies regarding repatriation and foreign exchange regulations which are overseen by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures exist for different forms of repatriation, and entrepreneurs often seek foreign consultants for their expertise and technical knowledge. These consultants must be compensated with payments that must be remitted in foreign currency. However, officials from Norwegian companies expressed difficulties with both the inflow and outflow of funds during a recent meeting. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official, highlighting the challenge of making consultancy payments based on revenue earnings in accordance with Bangladesh's law. This poses a problem for new companies without previous revenue when it comes to making foreign payments for essential technology consultants. The official also criticized the bureaucratic approval process. Another official pointed out that repatriating dividends, which is permitted by law, presents significant challenges. Inward funds and outward funds from investments are meant to flow freely, but the official noted that their experiences in this regard have been negative. Whenever money is sent, it undergoes an approval process, 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 mentioned how authorities sometimes use discretion in situations not covered by the law, which he believes is incorrect. He also discussed Grameenphone's significant market power status, which he feels goes against competition laws. Despite this, he reassured that 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 maintained and that it is easier for people to do business here," stated 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 urged the government to address these longstanding issues, acknowledging that they have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s on improving investment opportunities. "Bureaucrats need to alter their mindset."