Press release

Dhaka: A half-day seminar on EU grant programmes in the area of economic co-operation was held at the BRAC Center on 26 February 2004. The European Commission wants to increase significantly the number of such projects with participation from Bangladesh. In a speech on behalf of Mr. Esko Kentrschynskyj, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh, organizations from Bangladesh were encouraged to submit more applications in the regional co-operation programmes. Mr. Kazi Moniruzzaman, President of BGMEA, confirmed the enormous potential of the programmes for Bangladesh by sharing his experience on the recently awarded grant to BGMEA under EU-Asia Invest.

The EU-Asia Invest Programme promotes business co-operation between the EU and Asia through assistance to business organizations through a range of co-financing instruments that facilitate trade and investment. The EU- Asia IT&C Programme co-finances partnerships in Information Technology and Communications (IT&C) between Europe and Asia. Two projects by BUET and Independent University in the areas of telemedicine and educational software development are currently ongoing. Recently the European Commission has increased the grant share of the project cost up to 95 % for Least Developed Countries which has made the programme more attractive for applicants from Bangladesh.

Mr. Chris Brown, from the Asia IT&C office in Bangkok, and Mr. Hans Farnhammer, Second Secretary, EC Delegation in Dhaka, coordinated the seminar, which was attended by around 40 representatives from leading business associations, universities, think tanks, governmental and non-governmental organizations. The participants received guidelines and practical tips on how to apply to further increase their chances.

For more information please contact

Anjum Aziz
Media and Communication Officer
Tel: 8824730 (Ext- 116)

Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84
Dhaka 1212
Bangladesh