South Korean company Samsung and Saudi enterprise Aramco were allegedly driven out of the airport during the tenure of the previous government, according to Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed, the Interim Government’s Advisor for Science, Technology, and Finance.
Speaking at a discussion session on Sunday, January 5, titled “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement: Trends, Key Challenges, and Long-term Prospects,” held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the advisor disclosed this information. The session was also attended by the outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Yousef Essa Al-Duhailan, Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin, Foreign Secretary (East) Md. Nazrul Islam, and Policy Exchange Chairman Masrur Riaz.
In his speech, outgoing Saudi Ambassador Essa Al-Duhailan highlighted the obstacles to foreign investment in Bangladesh. Responding to this, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain acknowledged the criticisms of an unfriendly environment for foreign investors in the past. He stated, “The current government is investment-friendly. I assure foreign investors that they will no longer face the challenges they encountered before. We welcome foreign investors.”
He further stressed the need for skilled labor both domestically and abroad, saying, “We lack skilled workers. This issue is not limited to Saudi Arabia; there is a global demand for skilled professionals that we are not able to meet sufficiently. The more skilled workers we produce, the greater their contribution to the country will be. We need to improve our capabilities and focus on training to build skilled professionals.”
In his keynote speech, Advisor Saleh Uddin Ahmed emphasized the multifaceted relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, stating, “Saudi Arabia holds significant importance for us in terms of trade and economic considerations. Many countries are urging us to engage in free trade. We are preparing for free trade. However, there are many challenges in trade. The government alone cannot address these challenges. Assistance from the private sector is essential to tackle them.”
Criticizing the share market, he remarked, “Many companies are investing in the stock market. However, I have noticed that the share prices of some companies continue to rise, even though their factories have shut down. This issue requires action.”
The advisor also noted that the interim government would not remain in power for more than a year and a half, emphasizing that they aimed to leave a foundation for future reforms. He stated, “We want to leave examples of good work. We will pave a dirt road so that others can advance along it.”
