Saudi Arabia Proposes $1 Billion Investment in Bangladesh's Port Infrastructure

A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia has expressed keen interest in significantly expanding its investment footprint in Bangladesh, specifically targeting the modernization of the country’s port management and infrastructure.

The interest was conveyed during a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office in the National Parliament building on Wednesday, July 15.

Strategic Investment Proposal
Led by Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Dr. Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, the delegation—which included the CEO of Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGT)—outlined a comprehensive investment plan for the sector:

Bay Terminal Project: A proposal to invest $180 million for the construction of a new Bay Terminal.

Port Management: A broader commitment to increase their total investment in Bangladesh's port management sector to $1 billion.

The delegation also signaled that RSGT and other major Saudi institutions are actively exploring investment opportunities in other critical sectors, including railways and broader logistics.

They noted that initial assessments of these sectors have been completed and suggested that further details could be finalized in upcoming joint bilateral meetings.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties
During the discussions, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman emphasized the historical and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, describing the partnership as a top priority for his administration.

He briefed the delegation on his government's ongoing investment-friendly policies and initiatives designed to facilitate foreign capital.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their visit and their commitment to the country's development.

In turn, the Saudi delegation extended a warm invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia, stating they look forward to welcoming him.

Key Officials in Attendance
The meeting included several high-ranking officials from both nations, including:

From Bangladesh: Minister of Road Transport, Bridges, and Railways Sheikh Raubul Islam; Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir; and Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury.

From Saudi Arabia: Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment Development Engineer Ammar Al-Taff; Board CEO of RSGT Amer Reda; CEO of RSGT Lars Vang; and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah bin Abiah.