Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday (Tuesday) sought increased investment from Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh, particularly in the solar power sector, saying a favourable investment environment has been created in the country.
The Prime Minister came up with the investment offer during a courtesy call by Saudi Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Eng Waleed Elkhereji at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat, according PM's Assistant Press Secretary Gazi Shahriar Pamir.
The Prime Minister invited Saudi companies to invest in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector, as both sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation, investment and strategic partnership.
Tarique Rahman said, "A favourable environment for investment now exists in Bangladesh."
Inviting Saudi companies to invest particularly in the solar power sector, he said, "Bangladesh is implementing extensive programmes to expand the use of clean energy. Investment by Saudi companies in this sector will be beneficial for both countries."
The Saudi vice minister of foreign affairs said, "A favourable environment for investment has emerged in Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman."
In this context, he said Saudi Arabia was sincerely interested in further strengthening bilateral relations.
He reaffirmed the Saudi government's interest in expanding cooperation and investment in a range of promising sectors, including processed food, seafood, tropical food, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Elkhereji also praised the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia's development and congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the election of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Prime Minister said, "The relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are grounded in mutual trust and longstanding friendship. The present government seeks to build a strategic, multidimensional and long-term partnership with the Kingdom."
During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen the longstanding Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations through enhanced cooperation, investment and strategic partnership.
At the end of the meeting, the Saudi vice minister invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia. Thanking him for the invitation, the prime minister expressed hope of visiting the Kingdom at a mutually convenient time.
The Saudi delegation included Adviser to the Saudi Interior Minister Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed Al-Shammari, Deputy Minister for Human Resources and Social Development Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, and senior officials from the Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior.
On the Bangladesh side, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, among others, were present at the meeting.