Saudi Arabia urged to invest more in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged Saudi Arabia to invest more in Bangladesh and enhance energy and economic cooperation to boost ties between the two friendly nations.

The chief adviser made the call when Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Ambassador Al Duhailan said his country is eager to invest more in Bangladesh and sought support from the office of the chief adviser.

He highlighted the proposed Saudi investments in the port and logistics sectors, especially in Matarbari deep sea port, as well as in the power and renewable energy sectors by ACWA Power.

“This is the time that Saudi Arabia can give the best support to us,” the chief adviser told the Saudi envoy, terming the relationship between the two countries “unique” and "separate” than other countries.

Yunus asked Saudi Arabia to convey his request to the Saudi government for depositing funds in Bangladesh’s central bank to boost liquidity support as part of economic cooperation, saying it will be "a wonderful gesture to the Interim Government".

He also called for a concessional supply of energy and petroleum products, enhanced trade and increased Saudi investment in the training of the Bangladeshi youth so that Dhaka can send more skilled and trained workers to the oil-rich country.

Ambassador Al Duhailan acknowledged the contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Saudi Arabia, saying that gaining more skills would help them earn a better salary and send more remittances back home.