France keen on investment, joint collaboration

A high profile French business delegation is expected to arrive in Chittagong during its visit to Bangladesh by the end of this year to explore investment possibilities and other areas of interests, Nizam said. "France is keen to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through promotion of trade and commerce," he added.

"Such recognition indicates that France gives more importance and attention to the port city and I hope Chittagong will have a fair share in any deal of bilateral interests between the two countries," Nizam said in an interview with The Daily Star.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Michel Lummaux conferred the most distinguished order Chevalier de la Legion of d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of honour) on Nizam at a ceremony in Chittagong on July 24.

French President Jacques Chirac announced Nizam's name for the award on June 4. The Legion of d'Honneur, created by Napoleon 1, is France's highest decoration that is bestowed by the government to honour persons for their distinguished services in military or civilian life.

"Such an award is really a blessing for us to draw more support from France in investment, trade and commerce," Nizam added saying, "I will also try to draw more attention from French government to Chittagong".

He, honorary consul of France in Chittagong for the past 35 years, said "Chittagong bears a legacy of friendship and trade link with France since the period of erstwhile Pakistan".

"France appointed a consul in Chittagong in the early 50's (1950) while Karachi was the capital of Pakistan. There was even no consul general of France in Dhaka when Robert Duvauchelle started to work in Chittagong as consul," Nizam said. "This thing happened as France felt the importance of Chittagong," he added.

"After independence Robert Duvauchelle was posted in Dhaka as ambassador of France," he said.

" France provided assistance to install the country's lone oil refinery Eastern Refinery Ltd. at Patenga in Chittagong in mid 60's," he said.

Nizam said, "Chittagong has been receiving good financial assistance from France for educational and cultural activities in order to improve friendly ties between the two countries".

Alliance Franchaise has been operating in Chittagong with a view to teaching French language, he said. Besides, it helps Chittagong University and Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) teach French language to students.

"Alliance Franchaise is also engaged in holding various cultural programmes here to promote friendly relations between the two countries," he said.