The UAE is keen to invest in Chattogram Port for the economic benefit of both countries.
Abdullah Ali Al Hammoudi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh, on Sunday expressed interest in meeting with Brigadier General M. Sakhawat Hossain (retired), Advisor to the Interim Government on Shipping, Textiles and Jute, at the Secretariat.
The envoy said that the UAE, as a friendly country, believes that both countries will benefit from UAE investment in Bangladesh, especially Chattogram Port.
The UAE envoy told the advisers that the UAE multinational logistics company DP World, headquartered in Dubai, is currently involved in port management in more than 60 countries.
“We have experience in building the London Gateway Port. Also, subcontinental countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have better experience in port management,” he said.
The advisor welcomed the UAE’s investment proposal and said that Bangladesh has always welcomed foreign investments and that Bangladesh has multifaceted relations with the UAE in various fields including trade and commerce.
“I believe that through this investment, the friendly relations between our two countries will reach new heights,” Sakawawat said.
The advisor called on the UAE envoy to make it easier for Bangladeshi seafarers to obtain transit visas. In response, the UAE ambassador said he would seriously consider the issue.
Sakhawawat Hossain also urged the UAE envoy to invest in Bangladesh’s jute and textile sector, noting that the demand for Bangladesh’s eco-friendly jute products is increasing across the world.
The advisor said that foreign investment in Bangladesh’s jute and textile sector is steadily increasing and urged the UAE Ambassador to consider investing in these lucrative sectors.
The UAE Ambassador led a five-member delegation to the talks in the presence of Jute and Textiles Minister M. Abdul Rauf, Additional Shipping Minister Sanjoy Kumar Banik and other senior officials.