Taiwan raring to come in a big way

It seems sky is the limit, because countries like Taiwan are looking out to invest their surpluses or perhaps relocate some of their industries in developing countries, their domestic and regional options for investment having reached a saturation point. But it just doesn't drop like a ripe fruit from a tree on waiting hands. Bangladesh has to compete with some south and southeast Asian countries to prove itself as a favourite destination for the prospective investments.

Given the praise showered by the Taiwanese delegation chief on the 'productive and friendly' people of Bangladesh and a recital of our advantages in terms of manpower and the market access to developed countries, which made them feel 'comfortable', it seems they are already favourably disposed towards Bangladesh. Only the deal has to be clinched now. But that's where the challenge is. While at least seven Taiwanese companies and other small groups are ready to invest rapidly they are inhibited by unavailability of plots of land in the EPZs complete with utility facilities.

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This brings to the fore the entire question of revamping the infrastructure which has been our Achilles' heel -- telecommunications, energy, transport and other utility services, to mention the obvious ones. To top it off, our investment climate can be made irresistibly more attractive if we have an unassailable legal framework and business-friendly environment.