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Saudi Arabia is keen to broaden its economic engagement with Bangladesh, moving beyond the traditional manpower sector to explore investment opportunities across various key industries. The Kingdom has expressed strong interest in sectors including fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, information technology (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

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They have repeatedly said the same thing. They do not want to be in just one sector; they want to work with Bangladesh in many sectors.

This initiative was highlighted during a high-level meeting between Bangladeshi and Saudi officials at the State Guest House Padma. The Saudi delegation, led by the Kingdom's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eng Waleed Elkhereji, conveyed a clear message of wanting to work with Bangladesh in multiple sectors. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters that the Saudi side expressed confidence in Bangladesh's government following its democratic election and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, with Saudi Arabia expressing interest in leveraging its expertise in sectors like fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, solar energy, IT, and AI. The state minister described the talks as "very successful and fruitful." Additionally, Saudi Arabia indicated an interest in recruiting more skilled workers from Bangladesh, an area identified as another important aspect of the bilateral relationship.

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very successful and fruitful

Both nations are looking to enhance future collaboration. The Saudi Crown Prince has extended an invitation to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Kingdom, while Bangladesh has reciprocated with an invitation for the Crown Prince. The state minister expressed optimism that a joint Bangladesh-Saudi investment meeting involving the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and other stakeholders will be organized soon. Political consultations and a Joint Working Group meeting are also anticipated later this year, signaling a continued commitment to deepening communication and exchange between the two countries.

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The Saudi government is interested in investing in Bangladesh by utilising the expertise they have in various sectors like fisheries, food, energy and renewable energy, solar energy, information technology and artificial intelligence.