Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain met with UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei in Dubai on October 2 to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting focused on expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in the UAE, simplifying the visa process—particularly for Bangladeshi seafarers—and enhancing collaboration in port development.

Minister Al Mazrouei sought Bangladesh’s support for major infrastructure projects by AD Ports and DP World, which are expected to create substantial job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.

The Adviser thanked the UAE government for employing a large number of Bangladeshis and requested further easing of visa procedures for seafarers. The UAE Minister assured that the issue would be addressed promptly in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Dr. Hossain also proposed UAE support in providing advanced training for instructors at Bangladesh’s Marine Academy, suggesting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize the cooperation.

Additionally, he sought the UAE’s backing for Bangladesh’s candidacy in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 term.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing mutual cooperation.