The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement, Trends, Key Challenges & Long-term Growth Prospects, “prepared under its initiative with research support from Policy Exchange, a private policy think tank based in Dhaka. The report documented by Policy Exchange under the leadership of Dr M Masrur Reaz, offers in-depth insights and analyses into the potential economic engagements between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The launching ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and Hon’ble Foreign Affairs Adviser Ambassador Md. Touhid Hossain, who attended as Chief Guest and Special Guest, respectively. Respected Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin, NDC, presided over the session. His Excellency Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, also spoke at the event.
The ceremony witnessed participation from key officials representing BIDA, ERD, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Finance, along with prominent business leaders, members of the media, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided the audience with the background and context of the report, emphasizing its significance in strengthening Saudi-Bangladesh relations. This was followed by a presentation of the salient features of the report by Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange.
In his address, H.E. Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Bangladesh while acknowledging challenges previously faced by Saudi investors. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a stronger economic partnership.
Hon’ble Foreign Affairs Adviser Ambassador Md. Touhid Hossain reaffirmed the interim government’s dedication to streamlining processes to facilitate investment in Bangladesh, signalling a renewed commitment to removing barriers for foreign investors. Hon’ble Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed echoed this sentiment by sharing ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh aimed at creating an investor-friendly environment.
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin reflected on the shared historical linkages and values between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia while calling for enhanced engagements among the businessmen and relevant stakeholders in areas of mutual economic cooperation.
The report is expected to serve as a guide for preparing a roadmap for both the government and the private sectors, outlining time-bound and action-oriented strategies to overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia economic partnership.