Harry K Thomas said his country's aim is to partner with Bangladeshi businesspeople to improve opportunities for all. "The America Week is our way of bringing not just Americans to Khulna but also to encourage investment and development in the region," added Thomas.

He was speaking at the American Chamber luncheon meeting in Khulna. Sponsored by Bangla Trac Ltd, the luncheon meeting was also addressed by President of AmCham in Bangladesh Aftab-ul Islam and Mozammel Huq of Bangla Trac Ltd.

Thomas said port and the EPZ at Mongla are key to development of this part of Bangladesh.

He also said Khulna is an economically important place because of its thriving and ever-growing shrimp industry.

"I am confident that growth in the shrimp industry will be significant in the coming years as Bangladesh develops stronger international compliance mechanisms," the American ambassador said.