DHAKA : A high-level Saudi Arabian delegation today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed firm interest in billion dollar investment in Bangladesh’s port and other sectors, reports BSS.

The delegation, led by Saudi Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, met the Prime Minister at his office in the Sangsad Bhaban here, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. 

The CEO of Red Sea Gateway Terminal International was among the delegation members, he said.

During the meeting, Shadhin said, the delegation informed the Prime Minister that along with investing US$180 million to construct a Bay Terminal in Bangladesh, the Red Sea Gateway Terminal International is interested to increase its total investment in Bangladesh’s port sector to US$1 billion.

The delegation also said that, in addition to Red Sea Gateway Terminal International, several Saudi companies are also interested in investing in other sectors of Bangladesh’s economy. 

The Prime Minister also briefed the Saudi delegation on his government’s investment-friendly policies and initiatives.

The delegation said it had explored investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s ports, railways and several other sectors. It also noted that detailed discussions on these matters could take place at a future joint meeting between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed various issues relating to the friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and cooperation in infrastructure development. 

The Saudi delegation expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties in the future. 

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s long-standing friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia is very important to his government.

Tarique Rahman thanked the Saudi delegation for visiting Bangladesh and expressing interest in investing in the country. 

In response, members of the delegation said they were eagerly looking forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting.

The Saudi delegation also included Saudi Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment Development Engineer Ammar Al-Taf, CEO of the Board of Directors of Red Sea Gateway Terminal International Amer Reda, Red Sea Gateway Terminal CEO Lars Vang and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah.