Saudi Arabia interested in investing in Bangladesh, will recruit more workers

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's artificial intelligence, information technology, solar power, renewable energy, fisheries, and food sectors.

"The Saudi government wants to invest in Bangladesh by utilising their expertise in these sectors," she said.

Her remarks came during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (Tuesday). The State Minister said a joint meeting on investment will be held very soon in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral initiative, with the participation of BIDA chairman and others.

She pointed out that the Saudi government wants to work with Bangladesh not just in one sector but across many.

Highlighting that the Saudi government has full confidence in Bangladesh's democratically elected government, the State Minister said, "A high-level delegation led by Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and two other deputy ministers is currently visiting Bangladesh. This visit is primarily aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations."

The State Minister described the Saudi delegation's visit as highly successful and productive. She added that the Saudi delegation has expressed interest in taking more skilled workers from Bangladesh.

Referring to the deaths of three Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia during the Iran-US-Israel conflict, Shama Obaid said, "Many Bangladeshi nationals reside in Saudi Arabia. During the conflict, three of our citizens lost their lives there. The delegation fondly remembered them, and we expressed our gratitude. Thanks to the Saudi government's cooperation, we were able to bring back the remains of our brothers who died there."

When asked about PM and BNP chairman Tarique Rahman's tentative visit to Saudi Arabia, the State Minister said, "The Prime Minister has an interest in visiting the country. At an appropriate time, based on discussions between the two countries, that visit will certainly take place. The Saudi Crown Prince has already invited the Prime Minister, and we have also invited the Crown Prince to visit Bangladesh."

When asked whether the issue of Rohingya staying in Saudi Arabia using Bangladeshi passports, and the creation of illegal documents by many Bangladeshis there that came up in the discussions, she clarified, "Passport-related issues are a common problem for us in all countries. Those issues were not a major subject of discussion. The Bangladeshi missions in Jeddah and Riyadh are already in contact with Saudi authorities and working to resolve these problems."