DHAKA, April 8, 2026 (BSS) – Saudi Arabia has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh for strengthening strategic cooperation in seaport development, investment expansion and the industrial sector. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah showed the interest during a meeting with Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at his ministry office here today.  During the courtesy call on, both sides discussed various issues of bilateral interest, focusing specifically on development of seaports to enhance maritime infrastructure; modernization of the shipping sector; expansion of bilateral trade between the two nations; strengthening cooperation across various industrial domains;  and expansion of mutual investment opportunities. In his speech, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasized that there is significant scope for expanding economic cooperation through the development of seaports, modernization of the shipping industry, and the scaling of investments.  He noted that these sectors are pivotal to the growing economic partnership between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Attributing the country’s investment appeal to current policy, the Minister stated: "The Bangladesh government has created a favourable environment for foreign investors and is according top priority to the development of port infrastructure." The Minister highlighted the importance of large-scale infrastructure for the nation’s future, specifically identifying the Matarbari Project as a strategic priority.  He characterized it as a massive project where international partnership remains crucial for Bangladesh’s maritime and economic ambitions. "The government is prioritizing the development of port infrastructure as a fundamental driver of national economic progress," he added. Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah highly praised the ongoing development activities led by the Bangladesh government.  He expressed a strong optimism regarding the future trajectory of bilateral ties, specifically noting Saudi Arabia’s interest in increasing cooperation within port infrastructure and the logistics sector. Both the Minister and the Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the current state of diplomatic ties, noting that the existing bond of friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is being further strengthened.  They shared the expectation that these bilateral relations will continue to solidify and expand through deeper mutual cooperation in the years ahead. Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and high-ranking representatives from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Dhaka were present.