[🇧🇩] The Evolving Partnership Between Bangladesh and UAE

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Source : https://www.newagebd.net/post/trade-commerce/246524/uae-keen-to-invest-in-ctg-port

UAE keen to invest in Ctg port
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 29 September, 2024, 22:26

The United Arab Emirates is keen to invest in Chattogram port for financial benefit of the both countries.

UAE ambassador in Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi on Sunday expressed the interest in a meeting with adviser of the interim government on shipping, textiles and jute Brigadier General (retired) M Sakhawat Hossain at his secretariat office.

The envoy said that, as a friendly country, UAE believes that both the countries would be benefitted from the investment of UAE in Bangladesh particularly in the Chattogram port.

The UAE envoy told the adviser that Dubai-based ‘DP World’, an Emirati multinational logistic company, was now engaged in sea port management in more than 60 countries.

‘We have experience in construction of the London Gateway Por. We also have better experience in the sub-continental countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on sea port management,’ he said.

Welcoming the investment proposal of the UAE, the adviser said that Bangladesh always welcomed the foreign investment and the country had multidimensional relations with UAE in various sectors including trade and commerce.

‘I think that the friendly relations between the two countries would reach to a new height through this investment,’ Sakhawat said.

The adviser requested the UAE envoy for making transit visa for Bangladeshi sailors easier. The UAE ambassador in reply said that they would consider the matter sincerely.

Sakhawat Hossain also urged the UAE envoy to invest in jute and textiles sectors of Bangladesh saying that the demand of the environment friendly jute products of Bangladesh were on the rise across the world.

Foreign investment is increasing steadily in the jute and textiles sectors of Bangladesh, the adviser said urging the UAE ambassador for considering these lucrative sectors for investment.

The UAE ambassador led a five-member delegation of his country in the meeting while jute and textiles secretary M Abdur Rauf, additional shipping secretary Sanjoy Kumar Banik and other senior officials were present.​

 

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Top UAE firms keen to invest in Bangladesh

The United Arab Emirates is very keen to invest in Bangladesh's logistics, ports, aviation and renewable energy sector and expressed readiness to support the interim government of the country, ambassador of the Gulf nation said on Tuesday. Ambassador Abdulla Ali Abdulla AlHmoudi expressed th

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Top UAE firms keen to invest in Bangladesh
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Oct 30, 2024 14:29
Updated :
Oct 30, 2024 14:29

The United Arab Emirates is very keen to invest in Bangladesh's logistics, ports, aviation and renewable energy sector and expressed readiness to support the interim government of the country, ambassador of the Gulf nation said on Tuesday.

Ambassador Abdulla Ali Abdulla AlHmoudi expressed the desire of the country when he called on Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, said a spokesperson of the CA office.

During the meeting, Professor Yunus thanked the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahiyan for the release of 57 Bangladeshi people after they were convicted and sentenced by a UAE court recently.

"It was a wonderful gesture. The whole nation was very happy," Yunus said. He also thanked the UAE government for hosting some 1.0 million Bangladeshi migrants.

Ambassador AlHmoudi expressed his government support for Bangladesh at a "critical time of the country" and said the UAE would stand by the interim government and its pro-business policies and reform agenda.

He said the DP World, one of the world's largest port operators, and Abu Dhabi Ports are very interested to invest in Chittagong port to help boost the country's export competitiveness to the world.

He said Masdar, another top firm in the UAE, is also interested to invest in renewable energy including floating solar projects-- the kind of which it has built in Indonesia.

Professor Yunus said his government has already rolled out business friendly policies and would be happy to see more investment from the UAE and visit of more Emirati business people to Bangladesh.​

 

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Top UAE companies to invest in Bangladesh

Two major companies from the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Masdar, have unveiled plans to invest in Bangladesh’s port development, management, and logistics, as well as the renewable energy sector.

www.thedailystar.net

Top UAE companies to invest in Bangladesh

Two major companies from the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Masdar, have unveiled plans to invest in Bangladesh's port development, management, and logistics, as well as the renewable energy sector.

The proposals were presented by Ahmad Ibrahim Al Mutawa, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Fatima Almadhloum Alsuwaidi, head of development and investment for Asia-Pacific at Masdar, during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

"Bangladesh is ready for business," said the chief adviser, welcoming the investment proposals.

"Bring your people and set up as many plants as you want."

Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the fourth major port operator to express interest in Bangladesh in just one week, aims to partner with the Chittagong Port Authority to develop one of the proposed Bay Terminals.

This venture would involve financing, operating, and maintaining container and multipurpose terminals.

Masdar, a renewable energy company, has proposed a $500 million investment in a 250-megawatt solar power project on reclaimed coastal land.


UAE Ambassador Abdulla Ali Alhmoudi and other senior officials, including Khalilur Rahman and Lamiya Morshed, were also present.

During the meeting, Alhmoudi extended an invitation for the Chief Adviser to attend the World Government Summit in Dubai this February.​

 

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Mongla Port will be developed as a center for regional trade: Sakhawat

The country’s second-largest seaport, Mongla Port, will be transformed into a hub for international connectivity and trade, said Brigadier General (retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. He made this statement during a m

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Mongla Port will be developed as a center for regional trade: Sakhawat
UNB
Published :
Jan 28, 2025 19:57
Updated :
Jan 28, 2025 19:57

The country’s second-largest seaport, Mongla Port, will be transformed into a hub for international connectivity and trade, said Brigadier General (retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He made this statement during a meeting with a delegation from Abu Dhabi Ports Group of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The shipping advisor invited the Abu Dhabi Ports Group to invest in the infrastructure development of Mongla Port, stating:

“Mongla Port is only 210 kilometers away from the capital Dhaka by road. With the infrastructure for sea, road, and rail transport in place, it is now easy to transport goods across various parts of the country. At the same time, this port has great potential for use by neighboring countries like Nepal, India, and Bhutan. In this context, there are excellent investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors at Mongla Port, including Abu Dhabi Ports Group.”

The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports delegation welcomed the shipping advisor’s proposal, expressing interest in investing in the infrastructure development of various ports in Bangladesh, including Chittagong and Mongla.

They also mentioned that the UAE would like to be involved in the Bangladesh government’s project to build a new terminal at Chittagong Port to create world-class facilities. AD Ports is also interested in investing in the modernization and development of Bangladesh’s internal river ports and the New Mooring Container Terminal.

The delegation from AD Ports Group was led by Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi, the UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh. Senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, including Senior Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, were also present at the meeting.​

 

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Yunus leaves for Dubai to attend World Governments Summit

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will discuss the issues of mutual interest, visa opening, enhancing manpower export; and trade and investment with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he left for Dubai on Wednesday evening to attend the "World Governments Summit 2025." The Chief A

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Yunus leaves for Dubai to attend World Governments Summit
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 12, 2025 20:19
Updated :
Feb 12, 2025 20:19

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will discuss the issues of mutual interest, visa opening, enhancing manpower export; and trade and investment with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he left for Dubai on Wednesday evening to attend the "World Governments Summit 2025."

The Chief Adviser left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Dubai at 7:45pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy, Azad earlier said this will be a brief visit as the Chief Adviser will return home on Friday.

Earlier, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sent an invitation to the Chief Adviser, inviting him to participate in the Summit.

The three-day World Governments Summit convened under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments.'

It began on February 11 and brought together governments, international organisations, thought leaders and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments.

The Summit is seen as a significant platform for Dr Yunus to share his insights on tackling global challenges and highlight Bangladesh's stance on key international issues.

Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam earlier said there is a possibility of bilateral meetings between the Chief Adviser and the heads of state/government of different countries during the visit.

He said the two friendly countries, Bangladesh and the UAE, have historically enjoyed good relations. This relationship has gradually consolidated based on economic cooperation and common political interests, he said.

A large number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country are making an important contribution to the economy of Bangladesh by sending remittances, said the Spokesperson.

He said bilateral trade in textiles, agricultural products and energy is also growing.

Both countries are working together in international platforms such as the UN and the OIC and the UAE government is regularly investing in various important sectors including Bangladesh's infrastructure and health sector.​

 

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Dubai Summit: Bangladesh’s Chief Justice stresses global cooperation in AI regulation

Chief Justice of Bangladesh Syed Refaat Ahmed on Thursday stressed the need for global cooperation in regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in a bid to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world. “As we look to the future, we must also consider th

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Dubai Summit: Bangladesh’s Chief Justice stresses global cooperation in AI regulation
UNB
Published :
Feb 13, 2025 20:47
Updated :
Feb 13, 2025 20:47

Chief Justice of Bangladesh Syed Refaat Ahmed on Thursday stressed the need for global cooperation in regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in a bid to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

“As we look to the future, we must also consider the global nature of these challenges. AI and other emerging technologies do not respect national borders, and neither should our regulatory approaches. By fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices, we can create a global ecosystem of regulation that is both innovative and equitable,” he said.

The Chief Justice said this while delivering a keynote speech at a session of the World Regulatory Forum of the Global Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, according to a press release.

His speech focused on the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the critical role of regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) and global collaboration in shaping adaptive legal frameworks in this regard.

“By leveraging AI, conducting rigorous regulatory impact assessments, and utilizing regulatory sandboxes, we can build a regulatory environment that is adaptive, resilient, and capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Syed Refaat Ahmed said this is not just a technical or legal challenge—it is a moral imperative. “As we shape the future of regulation, we must ensure that it serves not only the interests of today but also the needs of generations to come,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of designing modern regulatory mechanisms that are agile, inclusive, and able to respond to the complexities of an ever-evolving technological landscape.

The Chief Justice highlighted how AI has transformed sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and governance, while also raising significant ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges.

He said AI’s global impact necessitates a harmonized regulatory approach that transcends national boundaries and to address this urge the policymakers and global leaders to work towards collaborative solutions.

About the role of Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs), the Chief Justice emphasized the need for RIAs in AI governance, ensuring policies remain forward-looking and responsive to rapid technological changes.

He pointed out that regulatory mechanisms are essential for testing new technologies and refining regulatory frameworks.

He called for the wider adoption of innovative regulatory tools to ensure that legislation keeps pace with technological advancements.

Putting emphasis on the global cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop robust and inclusive regulatory frameworks, he said the borderless nature of technologies like AI, national legal systems alone are insufficient to address their complexities.

He recommended building a legal framework in combination of both civil and common law traditions to create adaptive and resilient legal structures.

The session was chaired by the Minister of State, and the Secretary General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Maryam Al Hammadi.​

 

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Chief adviser’s Dubai tour helps boost Bangladesh-UAE ties: Shafiqul

Dubai tour of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus helped Bangladesh strengthen its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said. "Our big achievement during the chief adviser's visit is that our relations with them (UAE) have become closer,"

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief adviser’s Dubai tour helps boost Bangladesh-UAE ties: Shafiqul
BSS
Published :
Feb 14, 2025 20:36
Updated :
Feb 14, 2025 20:36

Dubai tour of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus helped Bangladesh strengthen its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

"Our big achievement during the chief adviser's visit is that our relations with them (UAE) have become closer," he said at a press conference in Dubai on February 13, according to a message received here last night.

Replying to a question, Alam said one kind of distance was created between Bangladesh and the UAE during the reign of the fallen Awami League government and that was why issuing UAE visas for Bangladeshis had been suspended for a long time.

So, he said, negative impacts were put on Bangladeshi expatriates living in UAE.

Besides, the press secretary said, the UAE is a big job destination for Bangladeshis but the access of Bangladeshi migrant workers to the UAE job market was declining gradually due to the long distance between the two countries.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was present at the press conference.

During his visit to the UAE, the Chief Adviser met several UAE ministers on the sidelines of the summit apart from joining the WGS.

Issues of mutual interest, including the visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, the expansion of trade and commerce, UAE businesses plans to invest in Bangladesh's Chittagong Port, and strengthening sports and education ties, were also discussed during the meetings.

During the talks, the Chief Adviser urged the UAE authorities to lift the visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens and recruit more workers from the country.

Prof Yunus joined a community engagement programme with Bangladeshi expatriates in Dubai on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) on Thursday (February 13).

He spoke at an interactive plenary session of the WGS at its venue in Dubai. The session was moderated by Becky Anderson of CNN.

Earlier, on that day, UAE Minister for Health Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais called on the Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the WGS.

Besides, UAE Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi held a meeting with Prof Yunus.

Prof Yunus concluded his visit to the United Arab Emirates today (Friday) after attending the WGS in the city of Dubai.

The UAE sports minister, Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, saw him off at the Dubai airport as the Chief Adviser took an Emirates flight back home.

He returned home from Dubai on Friday evening. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain; Lutfey Siddiqi, the Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser; and Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the chief SDG coordinator; accompanied the Chief adviser during his tour to Dubai.​

 

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Govt courting UAE officials to lift visa ban on Bangladesh

The interim government is making serious efforts to lift the UAE's visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens in a bid to export more workers from the country, said CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday. "We want the visa restrictions to go soon. If the visa restriction is lifted, we hope m

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt courting UAE officials to lift visa ban on Bangladesh
UNB
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 23:19
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 23:19

The interim government is making serious efforts to lift the UAE's visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens in a bid to export more workers from the country, said CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday.

"We want the visa restrictions to go soon. If the visa restriction is lifted, we hope many Bangladeshis will get jobs there in the UAE," he said at a press briefing in the Foreign Service Academy here.

He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus raised the visa restriction issue during the talks with several UAE ministers during his recent visit to Dubai to attend the World Governments Summit.

"There was serious discussion on this issue. This discussion will continue in the future," said Shafiqul Alam, adding that the visa restriction issue has turned into a cumulative problem since 2012.

Noting that a comprehensive dialogue is being held with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he said Bangladesh wants its relations with them to be upgraded further.

"If so, we will be able to draw more investment from the UAE. We want the visa restrictions to be lifted soon," he added.

He said Chief Adviser's special envoy on international affairs Lutfey Siddiqui has already been assigned to this task, and Lutfey Siddiqui has also talked to four to five UAE ministers in this regard.

Following the comprehensive discussion, the UAE is more serious about relations with Bangladesh. "We hope that the relationship with UAE that deteriorated to the lowest level (during the Awami League's regime), will get better in the days ahead.

"If so, the new door will be opened for Bangladesh to export a huge manpower to UAE," said the press secretary.

CA's deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar was present at the briefing.

UAE visas are currently closed for at least 9 countries, including Bangladesh.​

 

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Pran’s journey in the UAE

In 2003, Pran, a leading food processor and conglomerate in Bangladesh, made its first foray into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market.

www.thedailystar.net

Pran’s journey in the UAE
From humble beginnings to a thriving export hub

Pran-RFL Group is showcasing a variety of products at the Dubai Gulf Food Fair to introduce new items and attract new customers. Photo: Pran

In 2003, Pran, a leading food processor and conglomerate in Bangladesh, made its first foray into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market.

The company purchased a second-hand car from a shop in Sharjah for 15,000 dirhams (around Tk 5 lakh) and hired one Bangladeshi employee to run its operations.

The modest business model meant the company could offer only three products: a lychee drink, chanachur, and puffed rice.

"The early days of the business were quite challenging, as Bangladeshi products had no presence in the UAE market, which was dominated by Indian and Pakistani items," Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman and chief executive officer of Pran-RFL Group, told The Daily Star.

However, those days are firmly in the past. Currently, Pran has expanded its range of offerings in the UAE market to 950 items, demonstrating the brand's strong presence in the Middle East.

From small grocery stores to supermarket chains, Pran's diverse range of products has become a household name among the South Asian diaspora and beyond, with sauces, noodles, juices, spices, mustard oil, coconut water, biscuits, and puffed rice being the most in-demand items.

"Now, more than 1.5 million Bangladeshis in the UAE are our customers. When we started our business in the UAE, expatriate Bangladeshis were our initial target demographic. Once we reached them, we targeted South Asians and local consumers," Chowdhury said, adding that many Nepalis, Arabs, and Filipinos now regularly enjoy their products.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Pran exported products worth $245 million to the UAE through its dealer, Emerging World Group, a Dubai-based company that markets Pran's products across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, America, and Oceania.

Emerging World Group has expanded its workforce to 735 employees and operates a fleet of 350 vehicles, ensuring the smooth sales, marketing, and distribution of products.

Chowdhury mentioned that Emerging World is working on securing a large bank loan. If approved, there are plans to establish a manufacturing unit in Dubai.

At present, most products are imported from Bangladesh, while some are sourced from contracted manufacturers in other countries, he added.

Chowdhury believes Pran's commitment to quality and affordability has played a significant role in its rapid growth.

During visits to multiple hypermarkets and supermarkets — including Nesto, Al Madina, and Mark and Save in Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, and Sanaiya — on Tuesday, it was seen that Pran products were prominently displayed on shelves.

Mohammad Sajjad Hossain, marketing manager of an Al Madina outlet, said they have been selling Pran products for nearly eight years and currently offer 240 items.

He added that Pran's customer base includes not just Bangladeshis but also consumers from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and various Middle Eastern countries.

An official at a Nesto store said they have been selling Pran products for many years and now offer 82 items. Due to customer satisfaction, sales of Pran products are increasing, he added.

COMPETITORS, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

However, competition in one of the world's most luxurious destinations is stiff.

In the beverage market, Pran's competitors include Rani, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Star. In the spice category, the main competitors are Pakistan's Mehran and Shan, along with South Indian companies like Vijaya. In the noodles segment, key competitors include Indomie, Maggi, and Buldak.

"We are the market leader in mustard oil, although some small Indian companies are entering the competition," Mizanur Rahman, executive director of export at Pran Group, told The Daily Star.

"There is also a huge opportunity for us to expand in the Bangladeshi, Indian, Filipino, African, and mainstream Arab markets. To achieve this, we are focusing on product promotion and developing products tailored to their needs," he said.

"We have prepared products specifically for Filipino, Thai, African, and Arab communities based on their preferences.

"We are optimistic about performing well in these segments in the coming days. This is a $46 billion market, and the main challenge is branding.

"The more we promote our country, the more confidence we will gain from mainstream customers. The governments of Turkey, China, and India are investing heavily in branding."

Currently, Pran has expanded its range of offerings in the UAE market to 950 items, demonstrating the brand's strong presence in the Middle East

Rahman further stated, "We need to work on product quality, pricing, packaging, and promotion to strengthen our position in the market."

To that end, Pran-RFL Group chairman and CEO Chowdhury is showcasing a variety of products at the ongoing Dubai Gulf Food Fair.

He said they attended the fair to introduce new products and attract new customers.

"This time, we gained some customers from Libya and Iraq. These two countries could be good markets for Bangladesh," he remarked.

Pran products are now exported to 145 countries worldwide. In 2024, the company exported goods worth $377 million.​