Bangladesh, Oman keen to expand economic partnership

Bangladesh and Oman have discussed formation of a Joint Business Council as the two countries see "huge potential" for expanding economic partnership.

The two sides at the first ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held virtually on Tuesday also discussed possibilities of investment in High Tech Park and economic zones of Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed upon new areas of cooperation which includes maritime affairs, diplomatic academies, think-tanks and start-ups and desalinization.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the 12-member Bangladesh delegation including representatives from the Ministry Home Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Ambassador to Oman.

Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy led the Omani delegation.   

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen extended special thanks to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for taking good care of the Bangladesh Community in Oman during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh community to the economies of the both the countries.

While appreciating the generosity of Bangladesh for hosting 1.1 million forcefully displaced Rohingya people, he expressed Oman's unflinching support on Rohingya issue.

Both sides agreed to work closely to address the ongoing challenges that emanated from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The agenda of the consultations focused on the ongoing political relations, economic cooperation, capacity building and training of Bangladeshi workforce, consular issues, and people-to-people contacts.

They agreed on the importance of health and food security in the coming days.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and enhance the close cooperation in the multilateral fora.