Diplomatic Correspondent //

United Arab Emirates government has expressed interest in investing in Chittagong port. DP (Dubai Port) World, one of the world’s largest seaport management companies, currently manages more than 60 seaports across six continents. Therefore, the country’s ambassador said that both countries will benefit by investing in Bangladesh’s Chittagong port. Brigadier General (retired) Dr. Shipping and Textiles and Jute Adviser in the Naval Ministry on Sunday. Abdullah Ali Abdullah Khasif Al Hamoodi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) assigned to Bangladesh said this in a courtesy meeting with M Sakhawat Hossain. At this time, Secretary of Ministry of Textiles and Jute Md. Abdur Rauf, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Shipping (on routine duty of Secretary) Sanjay Kumar Banik, Director General of Directorate of Shipping and senior officials of the ministry were present.

During the meeting, the ambassador said that the United Arab Emirates government wants to invest in Chittagong port and said that Bangladesh is a friendly country of the United Arab Emirates. There is a deep relationship between the two countries on various bilateral issues including trade. UAE has been importing various products including garments, agricultural products, knitwear from Bangladesh. Seaport management company DP (Dubai Port) World currently manages more than 60 seaports across six continents. Besides, their activities are more extensive and new projects are under implementation in 10 countries. We also have experience in building London Gateway Ports. We also have good experience in other subcontinent countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

Welcoming the ambassador’s investment proposal, the adviser said, Bangladesh always welcomes foreign investment. We have a multi-dimensional relationship with the UAE in various sectors including trade. We applaud the UAE’s desire to invest in Chittagong Port and all other sectors. I think through this the friendly relations between the two countries will reach a new height. The current government will positively consider all foreign proposals which are good for Bangladesh.

The Adviser urged the Ambassador to facilitate the issuance of transit visas to Bangladeshi seafarers by removing visa complications in Dubai. The ambassador accepted the advisor’s proposal and said that steps will be taken to issue transit visas in an easy way for Bangladeshi sailors from now on. At this time, the textile and jute adviser called upon the UAE to import more jute products from Bangladesh and invest in the jute and textile industry in order to bring trade balance by eliminating the trade deficit between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates. The ambassador reiterated his commitment to work together on any matter of mutual interest and requested the Ministry of Textiles and Jute to submit a written proposal in this regard.