Dhaka: The United Kingdom and its business community can play a very ‘positive and important’ role in Bangladesh’s development stride helping the country reach the next level of desired development stage, said a business delegation of the UK on Thursday.

‘With longstanding friendship and historical relations between the two countries, I think we can play a very important and very positive role as you move towards becoming a middle-income country,' said the delegation leader Peter Lindsay.

He made the remark while talking to UNB and three other media outlets at the British High Commissioner’s residence on the outcome of their three-day visit. His team members were also present.

Responding to a question, Peter said the last three days and their meetings here have been very productive. “But it’s not the end. It’s just the beginning. We’re very much looking forward to building those relationships and to have positive fruits and actions for the benefit of both sides.”

Asked whether they face any barriers in doping business, the delegation leader said there might be some difficulties, misunderstanding and counter difficulties in any country. “In this case of Bangladesh, I don’t see any barriers at all. “We have very positive relations between our countries. We look forward to building on that and exploring new avenues.”

Sharon Sadeh, Managing Director of the Green Grade and a delegation member, said investors will come and invest if the political stability prevails in the country.

“I do see a continuous development prospect,” he said adding that the businesspeople look at bureaucratic tangles and transparency seriously when they plan to invest.

Sharon Sadeh also said there is far more scope for investment in technology to minimise the risks of corruption, reduce the number of processes that required to get licenses making the trade much easier to do and much more transparent.

Ruzina Hasan, head of UK Trade and Investment, Bangladesh, said the UK is probably the best friend of Bangladesh both on the business side and the development one.

The large British business delegation of 17 UK companies arrived here on Monday night to drive forward partnerships between Bangladesh and the UK for the growth and prosperity of the two countries.

Some of the companies already have business with Bangladesh and others are taking their first steps towards entering this ‘fascinating’ market.

Over the last three days, they met international donors, NGOs, key members of the Bangladesh business community and government bodies.

The UK companies, experts in the field of development and humanitarian aid-work, also were engaged with the parties to understand the scope of projects taking place and identify what opportunities are available for the supply of services and resources.

The delegation is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Thursday night.