UAE for deeper economic and commercial ties with Bangladesh

UAE Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs has called for a Joint Business Council to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Bangladesh.

Abdulnasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), said that a joint business council would facilitate deeper bilateral economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and the UAE.

The Assistant Minister made this remark while meeting Rizwan Rahman, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in Dhaka on Sunday (Nov 14).

The Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Dhaka, Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi, also attended the meeting, said a press release of the embassy on Monday (Nov 15).

“The establishment of a joint business council would facilitate broader and deeper engagement with both public and private sector stakeholders, especially in emerging sectors of mutual interest,” the Assistant Minister said.

“Now is the right time to begin discussions on a closer partnership, especially as we work to overcome the fallout from Covid-19,” the Assistant Minister added.

The Assistant Minister commended Bangladesh’s extraordinary resilience and growth, which serves as a model for other countries. He further noted the importance of collective approaches to global issues such as food security in order to address any unforeseen supply chain disruptions, such as those that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DCCI President opined that the UAE could play a vital role in boosting the economic growth of Bangladesh by sharing technical know-how and transferring technology.

He also thanked the UAE Embassy in Dhaka for the proactive and catalytic role played in enhancing bilateral relations.

“As the most vibrant chamber of commerce of the country, DCCI will provide all the support needed to UAE businesses,” the DCCI President added.

“The bilateral relationship has historically been based on shared beliefs, mutual respect and meaningful cooperation, with both countries working together to cope with common challenges and support each other in the international setting,” Mr. Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi, Chargé d'Affaires of UAE Embassy in Dhaka, stated.

Abdulnasser Al Shaali arrived in Dhaka on November 14 leading a high-profile delegation to attend the 21st Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

In addition to the IORA meetings, the Assistant Minister and his delegation will attend the 5th UAE-Bangladesh Joint Committee Meeting.