Bangladesh has sought duty-free market access of its certain products like textiles and RMGs, leather and leather goods, pharmaceuticals and other agro-items to Saudi market. The request was made during the two-day 11th session of the Joint Commission between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia held on Wednesday and Thursday in the city. Economic Relations Division (ERD) Senior Secretary Mohammad Mejbahuddin led the home side while Deputy Minister of International Affairs, Ministry of Labour of Saudi Arabia Dr Ahmad Bin Fahad Al-Fuhaid the Saudi team. Organised by the ERD, senior officials from the respective ministries, divisions and agencies of both the countries took part in different sessions. Following the closing session of the two-day joint commission meeting, the Saudi Deputy Minister and the ERD Senior Secretary signed the agreed minutes at the ERD conference room on Thursday. Welcoming the Bangladesh proposal, the Saudi side offered to enhance bilateral trade. Both sides also agreed to take necessary steps for technical cooperation between the BSTI and the SASO. Speaking at the closing session, Dr Ahmad Bin Fahad Al-Fuhaid said Saudi Arabia wants to forge a stronger partnership with Bangladesh. Asked whether the Saudi assistance to Bangladesh would be affected due to the current economic position in the KSA, Dr Ahmad said they do not see any possible affect as the Saudi economy is moving forward. Mohammad Mejbahuddin said Bangladesh is ready to accept any offer from Saudi Arabia for investment in its Special Economic Zones. Noting that Bangladesh received annually around $ 3 billion as remittance from the Bangladeshi expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, he said there is no denying of the fact that this amount could go up substantially. Asked when the Saudi side will reopen Umrah visas for Bangladesh, Mr Mejbah said the KSA will consider it positively as they are more or less happy about the government’s steps in this regard. The Saudi side urged Bangladesh to create investment opportunities for them within the framework of King Abdullah’s initiative for agricultural investment abroad. The home side expressed its desire to establish joint ventures between the two countries in the fields of agro-based industrialisation in which Bangladesh has advanced experience. Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation between Saudi News Agency (SPA) and the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). An executive programme for an MoU in the field of Islamic Affairs and Endowment between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Mission & Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh was also signed. The 12th session of the Joint Economic Commission is likely to be held in Riyadh in 2016.
