Saudi Arabia has expressed a strong interest in expanding its investment footprint in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation in the transport, logistics, and maritime sectors.

The interest was conveyed during a meeting between a Saudi delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr. Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, and Bangladeshi officials at Biniyog Bhaban in the capital on Wednesday.

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Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and CEO of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority, led the Bangladesh side during the focused discussion on transport, logistics, and infrastructure cooperation. Officials from the PPPA, BIDA, and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) also joined the meeting.

During the meeting, the Saudi minister lauded Bangladesh’s focus on privatisation and business facilitation, noting that it closely aligns with Saudi Arabia’s own strategic goals.

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia aims to emerge as a global logistics hub and has identified leading companies as national champions across priority sectors. 

Dr. Al-Rumaih expressed a keen interest in exploring more opportunities for Saudi companies in Bangladesh, while simultaneously assuring support for Bangladeshi enterprises seeking to do business in the Kingdom.

The discussions also shed light on the operations of the Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) in Bangladesh, noting that over 98 percent of its employees are Bangladeshi nationals. RSGT is currently exploring further opportunities to modernise terminal operations in the country by introducing greater efficiency and advanced technology into the maritime sector.

Both delegations expressed an openness to aligning on priority projects, emphasizing the importance of seizing the current momentum to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives.

"Our discussions included areas where there is keen Saudi interest and strong alignment with Bangladesh’s priorities, especially logistics and supply chain networks ranging from cold storage to ports," said BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.

He further noted that Bangladesh is also prioritising investment cooperation in financial services.

"Beyond this visit, we are already engaging with multiple Saudi companies to help them understand the opportunities available in Bangladesh and facilitate serious investment conversations," Chowdhury added.