- Yunus urged Saudi investment in manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
- Saudi projects include port deals, mosques, and a $20M language institute.
- Saudi-Bangladesh meeting explored expanding collaboration in education and health.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus suggested that Saudi Arabia might explore setting up its manufacturing sector in Bangladesh by leveraging the nation’s strategic location, affordable labor, and available resources.
He also encouraged Saudi investments in energy, particularly oil refineries, along with healthcare, health education, and the pharmaceutical sectors.
These conversations occurred during a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, at the State Guest House Jamuna today.
Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, stated that the ambassador presented an invitation letter from the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the Chief Adviser to participate in the 9th Future Investment Initiative Forum in Riyadh this October.
Yunus conveyed his appreciation for the Crown Prince's agreement to travel to Bangladesh for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He graciously greeted the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, expressing optimism that bilateral relations would deepen during his time in office, and committed to complete cooperation with the Saudi administration.
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Highlighting the significance of Saudi-Bangladesh ties, the chief adviser stressed the possibilities for enhancing collaboration in various areas.
Ambassador Abdullah emphasized current Saudi investments, such as the Red Sea Gateway Terminal's participation in Patenga Container Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port. He pointed out that the Saudi government has funded $20 million for an Arabic Language Institute and is building eight mosques in different cities across Bangladesh.
As a show of goodwill, the Chief Adviser presented the ambassador with a July 2024 set of graffiti. Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator, SDGs Affairs, were present at the meeting.