Bangladesh ‘ready to offer’ exclusive economic zone to Omani investors

By Md. Kamruzzaman

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh’s foreign minister said his country and the Arabian state of Oman must work jointly to increase cooperation in trade and investment.

Addressing a webinar, titled Bangladesh-Oman Bilateral Trade & Investment: Challenges and Opportunities, organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in Muscat, Oman, on Monday, AK Abdul Momen said both nations can invest in energy, renewable energy, technology, food security, and health sectors.

He added that Bangladesh has taken initiatives to establish 100 economic zones in addition to the existing exclusive economic zones, while the construction of several high-tech parks for information technology industries are underway.

“Over 800 IT companies are now thriving in the country with an exposure to the international market. We are ready to offer exclusive economic zone and hi-tech parks to Omani investors,” Momen said.

He also called on Oman’s giant investment fund holding company, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which has a portfolio of assets worth $18 billion in power-energy and infrastructure, to invest in Bangladesh.

“Ready lands are available in (capital) Dhaka and (eastern city of) Sylhet for investment. Bangladesh is willing to provide dedicated land and space for Omani investors in the ICT sector in Bangladesh,” he said.

Momen also underlined the potential of the maritime sector and ship-building industry, inviting Oman’s businessmen to invest in these sectors for mutual benefits.