Saudi Arabia has assured that the country would invest in Bangladesh`s shipping sector in order to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia`s Minister of transport Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser came up with the assurance on Thursday while holding a meeting with State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury in Riyadh.
The Saudi minister said: "Bangladesh`s progress makes Saudi Arabia happy as both countries share a strong bilateral relationship."
"We would strengthen the relationship by Increasing the business volume between us," he added.
During the meeting, state minister Khalid Mahmud conveyed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s greetings to the Saudi minister and sought his assistance in developing the country’s shipping sector.
Referring to the visit of a high Saudi delegation in last November, Khalid sought the country’s investment for the operation, maintenance and modernisation of the country`s Patenga container terminal in Chattogram.
The meeting ended successfully with Saudi Arabia`s assurance of investment.
Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwari were present.
Earlier, oil-rich Saudi Arabia`s Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company has shown interest to invest in Bangladesh for the operation, maintenance and modernisation of the country`s Patenga container terminal in Chattogram.
Vice-Chairman of the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Board of Directors, Aamer A Alireza, made the proposal during a meeting with State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Bangladesh Essa bin Yousef Al Duhailan said Saudi companies have expressed their eagerness to invest in Bangladesh in various sectors because of peace, political stability, favourable laws and good incentives.
