Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has actively sought investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into Bangladesh’s burgeoning special economic zones. In a meeting today at her official residence, Ganabhaban, with UAE Ambassador Abdulla ALi Abdulla Khaseif Alhmoudi, Prime Minister Hasina extended a warm invitation to UAE investors, highlighting the promising opportunities within Bangladesh’s specialized economic sectors.
The meeting underscored mutual interests in fostering stronger economic ties and facilitating employment opportunities for Bangladeshi manpower in the UAE. Ambassador Alhmoudi assured the Prime Minister of UAE’s commitment to issuing visas efficiently, ensuring Bangladeshi workers find suitable employment in the UAE.
Acknowledging the significant influx of Bangladeshi workers to the UAE, estimated at around 20,000 individuals per month, Ambassador Alhmoudi emphasized the UAE’s ongoing issuance of approximately 1,000 visas daily, underscoring the robust bilateral labor relations.
Looking forward, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combatting illegal migration, emphasizing enhanced cooperation on immigration control measures. They also discussed upcoming ministerial visits from the UAE to Bangladesh, aimed at exploring new avenues for collaboration and strengthening existing bilateral frameworks.
In addition to investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s special economic zones, discussions encompassed potential UAE investments in Bangladesh’s container terminal operations. The UAE ambassador also highlighted ongoing negotiations for implementing an Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) for Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector, aimed at enhancing international travel security compliance.
Prime Minister Hasina expressed her government’s proactive stance in streamlining bureaucratic processes across all sectors to facilitate foreign investments. She delegated further discussions on the APIS implementation to PMO secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, underscoring Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring seamless operational integration.
The meeting concluded with an invitation extended by Ambassador Alhmoudi for Prime Minister Hasina to visit the UAE, where she would be warmly received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This invitation symbolizes the UAE’s eagerness to elevate bilateral relations to new heights of cooperation and mutual prosperity.
This diplomatic exchange highlights Bangladesh’s strategic efforts to attract foreign investments and strengthen economic cooperation with the UAE, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and prosperity in both nations.
