Discussion may be held to allocate special economic zone to Qatar: Foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that if Qatar expresses interest, a special economic zone can be allocated to the country.

He revealed the information at a press conference organised at the foreign ministry on Sunday (April 21) afternoon to brief the media about the upcoming visit of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Dhaka.

“Preparations have been made to sign a total of 11 agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoU) during the visit of the Emir of Qatar. These include six agreements and five MoUs. The six agreements include prisoner exchange, trade and investment, elimination of double taxation, cooperation to provide tariff benefits, etc. In addition, the five MoUs that would be signed include manpower export to Qatar, port management cooperation, and training and higher education cooperation for diplomats of both countries,” the minister said.

In response to a question, the minister said, “Since we have signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to buy oil on deferred payment (within one year), it may be discussed with the Emir of Qatar to sign a similar agreement.”