Saudi Arabia eyes greater investment in Bangladesh's transport and logistics sectors

Saudi Arabia has expressed strong interest in expanding its investments in Bangladesh, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors, with a special emphasis on maritime infrastructure development.

The interest was conveyed during a meeting between Saudi Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih and his delegation and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury at Biniyog Bhaban on Wednesday, according to a press release.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Ashik Chowdhury, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority. Officials from BIDA, the PPP Authority and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) also attended the meeting.

During the talks, the Saudi deputy minister commended Bangladesh's ongoing efforts to promote privatisation and improve the business environment, saying the reforms align closely with Saudi Arabia's own economic transformation strategy.

He said Saudi Arabia is working to establish itself as a global logistics hub and is keen to create more opportunities for Saudi companies to invest in Bangladesh while also encouraging Bangladeshi businesses to expand into the Saudi market.

The two sides also reviewed the operations of Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) in Bangladesh, where more than 98 percent of the workforce comprises Bangladeshi employees.

RSGT is exploring opportunities to further modernise terminal operations through the adoption of advanced technologies and improved operational efficiency.

Both sides emphasised the importance of building on the current momentum to advance mutually beneficial projects and strengthen bilateral investment cooperation.

Speaking after the meeting, Ashik Chowdhury said discussions centred on sectors where Saudi investment interest aligns with Bangladesh's development priorities, particularly logistics and supply chain infrastructure, including port development and cold storage facilities.

He added that Bangladesh is also prioritising investment cooperation in financial services and is already engaging with several Saudi companies to highlight investment opportunities and facilitate long-term partnerships.