Dhaka seeks greater Saudi investment in ports, logistics

Bangladesh has urged Saudi Arabia to expand its investment and technological cooperation in the country's ports, transport and logistics sectors as Dhaka seeks to strengthen infrastructure and position itself as a regional trade hub.

The call came during a high-level bilateral meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday between Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam and a Saudi delegation led by Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister for Transport and Logistics Services.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in port modernisation, maritime transport, logistics development, investment, technology transfer and skills development.

Highlighting Bangladesh's ongoing infrastructure drive, Sheikh Rabiul Alam outlined major initiatives, including the expansion of Chattogram and Mongla ports, the Bay Terminal project and other strategic developments aimed at transforming the country into a regional trade and logistics hub.

Inviting Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, he said deeper collaboration in the ports and logistics sectors would boost bilateral trade and support long-term economic growth.

Dr Rumaih commended Bangladesh's steady economic progress and the government's efforts to modernise its transport and maritime sectors.

He said the longstanding friendship between the two countries provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and expressed Saudi Arabia's interest in increasing investment, promoting technology transfer and sharing technical expertise in the transport and logistics sectors.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Abiyah and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies of both countries attended the meeting.

At the conclusion of the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations through joint initiatives, investment partnerships, technology transfer and regular dialogue to deepen cooperation in the ports, transport and logistics sectors.