Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has called on Bangladeshi businesses to invest in his country. 

He made the appeal during a joint press appearance at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) in Dhaka, following discussions with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and a delegation-level meeting.

Highlighting the potential for stronger economic and trade ties between the two nations, Ramos-Horta said, "I see opportunities to import more from Bangladesh, and we invite Bangladeshi companies to invest in Timor-Leste. By next year, we will join ASEAN and become part of a region with a population of 700 million."

He added that Timor-Leste’s economy will integrate into a GDP of over $4 trillion next year and expressed hope that Bangladesh would partner in the country’s development.

Ramos-Horta praised Nobel Peace Laureate Prof. Yunus as one of the world’s most respected leaders, likening him to figures such as Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevara.

"Bangladesh is very fortunate to have such a humble and visionary leader working with young people to transform the country," he said.

Drawing parallels between the histories of Bangladesh and Timor-Leste, Ramos-Horta commended the resilience, creativity, and hard work of the Bangladeshi people. 

He described Prof. Yunus as his brother, friend, and mentor, expressing gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for their hospitality and stating that he felt honored to be in the country.

The Timor-Leste president arrived in Dhaka on a special Singapore Airlines flight that landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:40 pm last night. Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus received him with a gun salute and a guard of honor.

BDST: 1554 HRS, DEC 15, 2024
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