The Norwegian Ambassador, Sidsel Bleken, mentioned that they frequently talk to the government about the challenges that their businesses face in Bangladesh. She expressed that getting approval is a slow and complicated process. Bleken emphasized the importance of having more Norwegian companies investing in Bangladesh and highlighted the significance of an easy business environment. She shared that the questions the embassy receives from Norwegian companies are mainly about the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, believes that as the investment climate improves, more companies will come to take advantage of the huge market and opportunities in Bangladesh. He recently met with Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete to address their concerns and encouraged them to communicate any issues they may have. He mentioned that they hold weekly meetings to resolve any issues that arise. He stated that there are no pending cases and expressed his strong support for improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, discussed his experiences as a news publisher, noting similarities with foreign companies. Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are reportedly positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic relations with Bangladesh shortly after its independence in 1972. Norway's involvement in Bangladesh has historically focused on development cooperation. However, as Bangladesh's economy has grown over time, there has been a shift from aid to a greater focus on trade and business. The leading Norwegian company in Bangladesh is Telenor, which holds a majority stake in Grameenphone, the largest mobile operator in the country with over 70 million customers. The Varner group is a key player in the textile industry, 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 20 staff members. Other Norwegian firms in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also active 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. Additionally, political ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent times. Foreign Minister Børge Brende made a historic visit to Bangladesh in February 2017, becoming the first Norwegian Foreign Minister to do so. The ambassador noted that regular business dialogues are held, with a recent discussion focusing on repatriation of dividends and other issues related to facilitating business operations. While laws may be in place, there is a need for professional institutions to effectively implement them, highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening. Foreign investors typically adhere to a country's regulations when sending profits back home. Similar to other nations, Bangladesh has established policies regarding repatriation and foreign exchange regulations overseen by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures are in place for different forms of repatriation, with entrepreneurs often relying on foreign consultants for specialized knowledge and skills. These consultants must be paid in foreign currency, requiring recipients to remit their earnings accordingly. However, officials from Norwegian companies have expressed difficulties navigating the complexities of both inbound and outbound financial transactions in Bangladesh. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official. "According to Bangladesh's laws, consultancy payments must be determined based on revenue earnings. How can a new company without any previous revenue make foreign payments for necessary technology consultants?" Another official remarked that the approval process is overly bureaucratic. The challenges faced in repatriating dividends, as permitted by law, are immense. Inward funds are meant to be unrestricted, and outward funds from investment profits should flow freely as well. However, our experiences have not been positive." Grameenphone CEO Michael Foley emphasized the importance of the rule of law in creating a favorable environment for businesses operating in foreign markets during an event attended by bdnews24.com. He expressed concern over authorities exercising discretion in the absence of clear laws on certain issues, calling it incorrect. Foley also mentioned the challenges posed by Grameenphone's significant market power status, which he believed contradicted the competition law of 2012. Despite these challenges, he stated that they are managing the situation. "We are happy to operate in this country, but it is crucial to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that it is made easier for people to do business here," stated Khalidi. He expressed support for BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, emphasizing the current challenges in obtaining them. Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, called on the government to address these longstanding issues, noting that they have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s focusing on investment facilitation. "Bureaucrats need to alter their mindset."