Saudi Arabia's visiting business delegation has expressed strong interest in investment in Bangladesh's food, beverage and real estate sectors as the three-day Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Business Summit 2025 ended on Wednesday.
The Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SABCCI) confirmed the development at a press conference held in the capital.
Speaking at the press conference, SABCCI President Ashraful Haq Chowdhury said the Saudi delegation visited various companies to assess the Bangladesh market for potential investments.
Riyadh is seeking diversified investment areas with priority in food and beverage, IT, healthcare, and energy sectors, he said.
Dr. Khalid Al Harbi, a professor and healthcare sector specialist from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Tayyibah University who was part of the delegation, said they see significant opportunities for enhancing cooperation and trade in various fields between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.
"Many Saudi businessmen work with Bangladeshi labourers and are interested in leveraging the work ethic and innovative strategies of the Bangladeshi people to contribute to the production sectors in both Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh," Al Harbi said.
He also ephasised that Saudi Arabia has a specific need for skilled manpower from Bangladesh particularly in the healthcare sector especially in nursing services.
The Saudi businesses also thanked Bangladeshi nationals for their continued contribution to the Saudi labour market and the development of the Kingdom.
SABCCI Vice President Ahmed Yusuf Walid and Pran-RFL Group Director Uzma Chowdhury also spoke.
The three-day business summit, which began on Monday at the Hotel Sheraton in Banani, concluded Wednesday.
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The inaugural session featured Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur as the chief guest and included presentations on Saudi business potential and opportunities in different sectors in Bangladesh.
The summit also marked the official launching ceremony of the Saudi Arabia -Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SABCCI) where Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain was present as the chief guest.
The visiting 20-member Saudi delegation was led by Sheikh Omar Abdulhafeez Amirbaksh, owner of the Majd Al Umran Group, which has business interests in hospitality and real estate, among other sectors. The delegation also included Naji Abdullah, a director of Al Esayi Group, and Professor Mohammad Asif Salam of King Abdulaziz University, who also owns an IT company.