Saudi Arabia offers large investments

Saudi Arabia has offered to make a large investments in various sectors of Bangladesh, as the country has a stable government and tremendous record of economic growth.

Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid A Al-Faliah and Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim came up with the offer when they jointly called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Doha yesterday.

While briefing reporters, after the meeting, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen quoted the two ministers as saying, "We see few issues as investors. Firstly, the stability [of the country], businessmen see whether it is stable, the future of investment. Present and future of Bangladesh is very good, and that is why we've taken the decision to strengthen relations with Bangladesh."

"Bangladesh's leadership is very good, vision is good and their commitments are very good," they said, adding that the country has a stable government and good economic growth.

"Saudi Arabia wants to establish Bangladesh as a regional hub considering its geographical location as the country is between South and South-East Asia. If we make it a hub, we can cover Indonesia, Malaysia, more…," they added.

The two ministers said they want to do business of petrochemical, diesel, jet fuel, fertiliser and major distribution centres as well as shipping lines.

In reply, Hasina said that she has given permission and urged them to start immediately.

She also offered Matarbari and Payra ports and economic zones to Saudi Arabia.

In this regard, she directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures for removing obstacles to Saudi investment in Bangladesh.

Saudi Arabia also wants to develop a partnership with Bangladesh through cooperation in various sectors including agriculture.

In this regard, they assured the prime minister of providing necessary financial and technical assistance to Bangladesh.

While discussing the issues of Hajj, both the ministers requested Bangladesh for making investment to build housing and hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

The two ministers of Saudi Arabia requested the prime minister to establish pharmaceuticals, beverage and real estate industries in Saudi Arabia for the benefits of the people of the two countries.