Envoy identifies energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and technology as promising sectors
DHAKA, November 6: Saudi Arabia is keen to expand its investments in Bangladesh, with energy, infrastructure, ports, logistics, pharmaceuticals and technology emerging as promising sectors for deeper economic cooperation, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh His Excellency (H.E.) Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah has said.
The Kingdom is looking to strengthen investment partnerships with promising international markets as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy, expand the role of the private sector and build stronger economic partnerships.
In a written interview with The Shuttle Times, Ambassador Dr. Abiyah said Bangladesh offered significant investment potential because of its industrial base, skilled human resources and large consumer market.
He identified conventional and renewable energy, petrochemicals, ports and logistics, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, and food and agricultural industries as key sectors where Saudi investors could explore opportunities in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh represents a country with significant investment potential," the ambassador said, highlighting the growing importance the Kingdom attaches to expanding its international investments under Vision 2030.
The ambassador also pointed to the existing trade relationship between the two countries as a foundation for expanding long-term productive investments.
According to published trade data for 2025, Saudi imports from Bangladesh stood at approximately $453 million, while Saudi exports to Bangladesh amounted to around $1.39 billion.
The figures indicate an established commercial relationship that both countries can build on to broaden economic engagement beyond conventional trade and towards investment, industrial partnerships and technology cooperation.
Ambassador Abdullah said Riyadh's objective was to encourage partnerships between Saudi and Bangladeshi companies and promote investments that would generate added value for both economies.
Such investments, he said, would help create employment opportunities while facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology.
The ambassador's remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its sources of foreign investment, strengthen its industrial capacity and expand export-oriented production.
For Bangladesh, greater Saudi investment could open opportunities in energy security, infrastructure development, healthcare, agricultural processing and technology-driven industries.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, could benefit from Bangladesh's manufacturing base, workforce and access to a large consumer market, creating scope for mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
The emphasis on productive investment also signals potential for a broader shift in Bangladesh-Saudi economic relations, from a largely trade-focused relationship towards deeper private-sector collaboration and long-term industrial cooperation.
