Saudi Arabia expects the next five years to mark a new chapter in its economic partnership with Bangladesh, with greater focus on investment, industrial cooperation and technology transfer, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah has said.
In an interview with UNB, the ambassador described Bangladesh as one of South Asia’s most attractive investment destinations, citing its large consumer market, strategic location and continued economic growth.
He said the two countries should work to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas such as manpower exports and energy trade, emphasizing the need to strengthen economic relations in line with their strong political and people-to-people connections.
According to the envoy, sectors including energy infrastructure, LNG, oil refining, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, logistics, agriculture, food processing, information technology and special economic zones offer significant opportunities for Saudi investment.
Dr Abdullah noted that recent developments in energy and financing cooperation have demonstrated the potential for deeper economic engagement between the two nations.
Highlighting opportunities under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, he said demand is increasing for skilled and semi-skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, tourism, logistics, information technology, manufacturing and renewable energy.
He said Saudi authorities are encouraging stronger collaboration between Bangladeshi training institutions and Saudi employers to ensure workers are equipped with skills required by the Kingdom’s evolving labour market.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of reducing migration costs and improving worker welfare. Saudi Arabia currently hosts around three million Bangladeshi nationals, making it one of the largest destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
According to Bangladesh Bank data cited by the envoy, remittances from Saudi Arabia exceeded $2.7 billion during the most recent fiscal year, reflecting the strength of economic ties between the two countries.
He said both governments are working to enhance transparency in labour migration, improve skills certification and ensure workers are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities before travelling abroad.
On broader bilateral relations, Dr Abdullah described Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as close partners connected by shared values, longstanding cooperation and strong diplomatic ties.
He said future collaboration could be expanded in areas including energy security, healthcare, digital economy, tourism, infrastructure, food security and human resource development.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for resolving the Rohingya crisis, saying a lasting solution requires the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He noted that Saudi Arabia would continue contributing through humanitarian assistance, diplomatic engagement and advocacy in international forums while supporting efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Dr Abdullah said both countries can further strengthen cooperation through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations and other multilateral platforms to address challenges such as climate resilience, migration, energy transition, food security and sustainable development.
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