PM visits UAE January 16-18
Manpower export and trade and investment will figure prominently in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's three-day state visit there from January 16.
To enhance economic relations, Bangladesh and the UAE are expected to sign two significant agreements -- one on promotion and protection of investment and another on avoidance of double taxation.
Both the countries have already finalised the drafts of the agreements a few months ago in presence of the high-level dignitaries, official sources said.
Signing of the agreements will be a "milestone" in the bilateral relations because that would certainly boost the scope of investment in both the countries, officials said. Potential investors from the UAE would enjoy a secure environment in Bangladesh with the signing of the agreements.
During her visit, the premier will hold meetings with UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other high level leaders and ministers.
Officials are sketching out details of the visit and agendas, sources said.
Officials of the foreign affairs and the expatriate welfare ministries said the government is considering the visit highly important as it will help increase manpower export to the UAE and the UAE investment to Bangladesh.
They said the government wants to expand market for Bangladeshi workers in the oil-rich gulf state UAE
As per an official estimate, some 3,56,102 Bangladeshi workers went to different countries of the world from January to November 30 this year. Of them, 1,86,127 skilled and semi-skilled workers went to the UAE.
According to the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET), some 32,363 Bangladeshi workers went to the country in October while the number was 31,835 in November.
Manpower export to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya and Malaysia, however, has remained suspended.
Sources of the expatriate welfare and overseas employment ministry said the UAE is a big market for Bangladeshi workers. The workers are also willing to go to the country with jobs.
But in 2009 trade and commerce of the UAE faced a tough situation as its tourism industry was hit by the global meltdown. Businessmen of the country became reluctant to take workers from the source countries, which hampered export of Bangladeshi workers.
Sources said the demand for Bangladeshi female workers has also increased in the UAE. Some 5,893 female workers went to the UAE with jobs in last 11 months.
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