Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in expanding investment in Bangladesh's transport and logistics sectors, particularly in ports, maritime infrastructure and supply-chain networks, as the two countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation.

The interest was conveyed during a meeting at Biniyog Bhaban in Dhaka today (15 July) between a Saudi delegation led by Dr Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics, and Bangladeshi officials led by Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and chief executive officer of the Public-Private Partnership Authority.

Al-Rumaih said Bangladesh's efforts to increase private sector participation and improve the business climate align with Saudi Arabia's development strategy. He noted that the Kingdom aims to become a global logistics hub and is encouraging leading Saudi companies to expand overseas.

He said Saudi firms are interested in exploring new investment opportunities in Bangladesh, while Saudi authorities are also willing to support Bangladeshi companies seeking to expand into the Kingdom.

The meeting also reviewed the operations of Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) at Chattogram's Patenga Container Terminal. Al-Rumaih said more than 98% of the company's workforce in Bangladesh is local and highlighted opportunities to further modernise the country's maritime logistics sector through technology adoption, skills development and improved terminal operations.

The Chittagong Port Authority signed a 22-year concession agreement with RSGT in December 2023 to equip, operate and maintain the Patenga Container Terminal, with the company expected to invest $170 million over the concession period.

Ashik Chowdhury said the discussions centred on sectors where Saudi Arabia's long-term investment interests align with Bangladesh's priorities, particularly logistics and supply-chain networks from cold storage to ports, as well as financial services.

He added that Bida is already engaging with several Saudi companies to showcase investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

No new investment commitments, project agreements or implementation timelines were announced after the meeting.