Michael Drury, ambassador and head of the delegation of the European Commission In Dhaka, yesterday said the Bangladesh missions abroad should be more active In creating a positive image of the country

He said, the Europeans are not much aware of the eco nomlc stability and low Inflation rate in Bangladesh as they are of the disasters and poverty of the country

Appreciating the success of the present government in stabilising its macro economy he said this has created a favourable atmosphere for for eign investment But. unfortu nately the situation is least known to the foreign Investors as most of the Bangladesh em hassles abroad tailed to project it effer lively he said

Drury was exchanging views with the members of the Eco nomu Reporters Forum yes terdav morning at the Hotel Sheraton Regarding the present po Ittical situation in Bangladesh, the EC delegation chief said the situation Is discouraging for the foreign Investors. The recent rise of fundamentalism in the country is another factor that may act as a barrier to Inflow of foreign capital into Bangladesh Drury said

Michael Drury gave the assurance of increased coopera tlon from the European Commission in achieving a sus tainable growth and said the EC Is interested in strengthen ing lis trade links with Bangladesh

He howevei was critical of the child labour and low Man dard of living of the working class in Bangladesh

He said the level of educa tlon of the workforce will have to lie developed and the man power made effi< wnt bv taking measuies tor iiuinan resources development

Assuring <>l EC s continued participation in the development projects of the country. Drury said the EC has at present a number of projects In Bangladesh in the field of embankment. poverty, 'aoverty alleviation and hum resource development. Sona new projects are also being launched with the partnership of some of the local NGOs. lie added.

The EC delegation chief lauded the expansion of the Bangladesh Garments sector in the European markets and said efforts sliould be Blade for backward linkage In facing open competition in the years ahead when all the special privileges for the Third World countries will be withdrawn as per the GATT Accord.

About 45 per cent of the country's total garments export go to European Union, largely due to preferential treatment.

Drury hinted al gradual reductions in traditional iood aid in the backdrop of the country's self-sufficiency In food production

Higher lexcl ol focal aid would affect the prices oi local far.i. nrodire and thus dis-coutUx .rod;. WS. he said.

Baughidesh currently receive* <1 - lopn ent assistance . . , ., a SU .Million US

dollars a year from llie EC. Food aid ronstkutee the major prabrai oi the aid package.