PM seeks more Saudi investment

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh in solar power generation and other 
sectors.

He made the call when Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji met him at the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin said, “The Saudi deputy foreign minister said a positive investment environment has now been created in Bangladesh under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

“Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing in processed food, seafood, tropical food, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and various other sectors.”

“The Honourable Prime Minister has called for increased Saudi investment in Bangladesh. The prime minister said a favourable investment environment now exists.

“Urging Saudi investment in solar power generation, he said Bangladesh is implementing extensive programmes to increase clean energy use. Investment by Saudi companies in this sector will benefit both countries.”

Shadhin said, “Both sides agreed to take Bangladesh-Saudi bilateral relations to a new height.”

He said the Saudi deputy foreign minister highlighted Bangladeshi workers’ important contribution to Saudi Arabia’s development and congratulated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Tarique said, “The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is founded on mutual trust and longstanding friendship. The current government wants to build a strategic, multidimensional and long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

El-Khereiji invited Tarique to visit Saudi Arabia. Thanking him, the premier said he would visit at a convenient time.

Earlier, El-Khuraiji met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at the State Guest House Padma.

State Minister Shama Obaed said the talks covered Saudi investment in Bangladesh, skilled-worker recruitment and cooperation in fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy and IT.

She said Saudi Arabia wanted to hire more skilled Bangladeshi workers. The sides also discussed the deaths of three Bangladeshi citizens during the war and Saudi assistance in repatriating their bodies.�"bdnews24