Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged global financial technology company Visa to establish a technology development centre or global service centre in Bangladesh to create employment opportunities.

He made the call when Visa’s Asia-Pacific President Stephen Karpin paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday (August 11) morning.

The prime minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin confirmed the matter.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed private-sector partnerships in expanding digital financial services and technology in Bangladesh. He also stressed the importance of cooperation from global companies like Visa in strengthening the country’s digital economy, investment and technological capabilities.

Stephen Karpin expressed Visa’s interest in increasing investment and expanding its business operations in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the country’s significant potential in digital financial services, technology and innovation.

Karpin said Visa is interested in providing investment and technological support to encourage bank account holders who currently do not use cards to adopt card-based services and to expand the scope of digital transactions in Bangladesh.

He also said Visa wants to work with Bangladesh to make the country’s banking and digital payment systems more secure, convenient and faster through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The meeting also discussed the possibility of expanding Visa card usage in various government and public service systems, including the metro rail, toll plazas and expressways, to make everyday transactions easier for citizens.

Karpin said Visa is also interested in contributing to the development of Bangladesh’s digital economy and creative economy.

The meeting also discussed developing an effective digital payment system to help Bangladeshi freelancers bring their overseas earnings into the country safely and conveniently.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman and senior Visa officials were present at the meeting.