Investment clime

The point needs little elaboration since people know very well what a price the country is paying for politics of confrontation. But even more worrying is his observation that Bangladesh is viewed by the German business community as one of the "worst places" for undertaking any commercial venture in. This is precisely where the price for social and political instability goes beyond all conceivable limits.

Long-term planning and reliability have been identified as the two most important prerequisites for attracting new business partners. This is understandable, but not achievable as long as politics remains turbulent. As we have seen, political unrest tends to upset everything -- from economic planning through investment to the retailer's business.

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There are also complaints about the efficiency level of the system set up to cater to the needs of prospective entrepreneurs and investors. If they do not get credit facilities and there is no assurance of regular power supply, the flow of foreign investment is likely to dry up further. What we must not overlook is that we are living in a competitive world where the rivals are ready to offer a lot more.

Germany is one of the biggest markets in the EU and an important trade partner of Bangladesh. So, it should occupy a special place in our plan of expanding trade ties internationally. But before anything else, it is imperative that foreign investors' problems are addressed in right earnest.

It is now evident that investors look forward to political stability. Our political parties have to realise this plain truth and keep in view the image of the country while trying to undermine each other. We are not living in a closed society that can afford to ignore the issues concerning image.