Dhaka: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has expressed strong interest in broadening its engagement with Bangladesh beyond the traditional manpower sector, with investment opportunities in fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, information technology, and artificial intelligence.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam revealed that the Saudi delegation conveyed their desire to diversify investments across multiple sectors during a high-level meeting at the State Guest House Padma. The meeting included prominent figures such as Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir. The Saudi delegation was led by the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed Elkhereji, accompanied by two deputy Saudi ministers.
Shama Obaed Islam mentioned that the Saudi side expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s government following recent democratic elections and emphasized their commitment to deepening bilateral ties. She described the discussions as successful, focusing on expanding economic cooperation and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, solar energy, IT, and artificial intelligence sectors.
The recruitment of more skilled workers from Bangladesh was another significant topic of discussion. Additionally, gratitude was expressed for Saudi Arabia’s assistance in repatriating the bodies of three Bangladeshi nationals killed during a recent regional conflict, with the Saudi delegation paying tribute to them during the talks.
The Saudi Crown Prince has extended an invitation to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while Bangladesh has also invited the Crown Prince to visit. Shama Obaed Islam anticipates a joint Bangladesh-Saudi investment meeting soon, involving the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and other stakeholders, along with upcoming political consultations and a Joint Working Group meeting later this year.
Describing the visit as highly productive, Shama Obaed Islam conveyed Saudi Arabia’s confidence in the continued strengthening of bilateral relations. She assured that a visit by the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia is anticipated at a mutually convenient time.
Regarding issues like Rohingya passport documentation or the illegal stay of some Bangladeshi workers, Shama Obaed Islam indicated that these topics were not prominently discussed, noting that similar passport challenges exist in other countries and are being addressed by Bangladesh missions in Jeddah and Riyadh.
The Saudi Vice Minister arrived in Dhaka on Monday night for a two-day visit and was received by Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. His departure is scheduled for Tuesday.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah highlighted potential strategic investments, industrial partnerships, and technology transfers as areas of focus for the next five years, which could mark a transformative phase in Bangladesh-Saudi economic relations. The ambassador underscored Bangladesh’s dynamic investment environment, strong market potential, and strategic location as attractive factors for investors. Traditionally, the partnership has centered on manpower cooperation and energy trade, but promising sectors now include energy infrastructure, LNG, oil refining, healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and food security initiatives.