The planned visit by a 40-strong British trade mission to Bangladesh later this month is indicative of Britain's growing interest in the country, according to sources in the diplomatic and business circles here.

Undeterred by the country's political problems, the largest ever British mission -— and the second to visit Bangladesh in a year — will explore opportunities for investment as well as trade, keeping in view long-term perspectives.

In an exclusive interview with UNB. Peter J Fowler, the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, sounded an upbeat note about the forthcoming visit, describing it as an important' follow-up of last year's trade mission. "It was so successful that we wished to maintain the momentum."

The trade mission, to be

led by Peter Lee. Managing Director of Mott MacDonald International, is scheduled to arrive here on November 24 on a week-long visit, including a trip to the port city of Chittagong.

It will include some major firms, which were previously not involved in Bangladesh, as well as those already got here. Besides, there will be some representatives from the UK Department of Trade and Industry.

Listing some redeeming features of the country's economy, Fowler said: "Bangladesh economy is certainly opening up to encourage trade and more investment."

"Bangladesh in recent years has made great progress in achieving macro-economic stability ... there is a great opportunity now to break into a higher ground of economic growth," said the envoy.