Prof Yunus Urges Saudi Arabia to Invest in Key Sectors

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged Saudi Arabia to consider establishing its production sector in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s strategic location, competitive labour force, and available resources.

He also called for Saudi investment in critical areas such as oil refineries, energy, healthcare, health education, and the pharmaceutical industry.

The proposals were made during a courtesy call by newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, the Saudi Ambassador handed over an invitation from the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister to attend the 9th Future Investment Initiative Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh this October.

Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude to the Crown Prince for accepting Bangladesh’s invitation to visit the country as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Welcoming the ambassador to Dhaka, the Chief Adviser expressed hope that bilateral relations would reach new heights during his tenure. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Chief Adviser noted the deep and longstanding ties between the two countries and emphasised the potential for expanding cooperation across various sectors.

In response, Ambassador Dr Abiyah reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strong relationship with Bangladesh. He highlighted ongoing Saudi investments, including the Red Sea Gateway Terminal’s involvement in the Patenga Container Terminal and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port.

He also mentioned Saudi Arabia’s allocation of $20 million for the construction of an Arabic Language Institute and eight mosques in different cities across Bangladesh.

To mark the occasion, Professor Yunus presented the ambassador with a collection of graffiti art from July 2024 as a gift.

Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs, Lamiya Morshed, was also present during the meeting.