Saudi Arabia seeks increased economic ties with Bangladesh 

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan on Tuesday laid emphasis on increased economic relationship as businesses are interested in investing more in Bangladesh.

He mentioned investment in the logistics, services sector, and renewable energy by RSGT international and ACWA Power. 

During a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at state guesthouse Jamuna, the ambassador praised the leadership of Prof Yunus saying he is capable of leading the country to prosperity.

The chief adviser called Saudi Arabia a "very important friend of Bangladesh" and recalled his visit to the country last year for the World Football Summit where he addressed the Saudi Arabian women's football team and spoke about sport's incredible power to transform the world. 

The ambassador noted that some 3.2 million Bangladeshi are currently working in Saudi Arabia, making a vital contribution to their country. 

Bangladeshi migrant workers annually send $5 billion in remittance through official channels and another $5 billion through unofficial channels. 

If the money can be sent through an official channel, they could help significantly in the economic growth of Bangladesh, said the ambassador.

"They are hardworking people and very religious," the chief adviser's press wing quoted the ambassador as saying.

The ambassador raised the issue for renewal of the passports of 69,000 undocumented people who have been living in Saudi Arabia since the 1970s. 

He said the country had introduced the Makkah Route Initiative to ease immigration procedures for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. 

Last year, some half a million Bangladeshi performed Umrah, he informed the chief adviser. 

The chief advisor appreciated the Saudi leadership in strengthening the bilateral engagements with Bangladesh, adding that his government is looking forward to continued cooperation from Saudi Arabia.