A Pivotal Meeting: UAE’s Commitment to Bangladesh’s Development Unveiled

The meeting of the Interim Government of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Professor Muhammad Yunus with UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi and key Emirati businessmen including Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mutawa, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG) and Fatima Almadhloum Alsuwaidi, Head of Development and Investment for the Asia-Pacific Region at Masdar took place to significantly strengthen economic ties. 

The high-level delegation is indicative of the UAE’s commitment to Bangladesh’s development which has a greater meaning in the partnership of the development of both nations. 

UAE minister calls on Chief Adviser

Dubai, February 13: The minister of health of the United Arab Emirates, AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Thursday called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/xQIM8q7BAo

— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) February 13, 2025

UAE’s Investment Initiatives in Bangladesh:

During the discussions, APDG expressed an interest in investing in Bangladesh’s port infrastructure focusing in particular on a joint venture with the Chittagong Port Authority for the development of one of the three proposed Bay Terminals. The objective of the joint venture would be to enhance the operational capacity of the port and thereby make Bangladeshi exports more competitive. The potential for the increase of shipping traffic into the region was elaborated by CEO Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mutawa.

Simultaneously Masdar, a company considered as a global leader in renewable energy, has launched a plan to invest $ 500 million in placing a 250 MW solar power project on reclaimed coastal land in Bangladesh. This project in line with Bangladesh’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy mix will address the growing need for sustainable solutions to energy creation in the country. Fatima Almadhloum Alsuwaidi stressed Masdar’s enthusiasm to support innovation in energy solutions in the Bangladeshi market. 

Strengthening Bilateral Relations:

While underlining the UAE’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh at this crucial juncture, Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi mentioned the mutual benefits from such cooperation. He said that investment in sectors like port development and renewable energy promotes economic development and also generates jobs for the people of Bangladesh. 

Prime Minister Yunus welcomed the suggested investments and expressed that Bangladesh offers a very conducive environment for doing business and that the government is eager to pursue foreign direct investment. He also expressed the hope that the cooperation would contribute to resilient growth and the strengthening of age-old ties between Bangladesh and the UAE.