Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday urged business leaders to submit sector-based proposals aimed at increasing Bangladesh’s exports to Saudi Arabia and expanding trade opportunities in the Middle East.
He made the call during a meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) at his office in Dhaka, according to a press release.
During the discussion, the minister said Bangladesh’s export earnings remain heavily dependent on the readymade garment sector, despite growing opportunities for non-traditional products in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. He identified pharmaceuticals, leather goods, jute products, processed foods and other emerging sectors as areas with strong export potential.
Muktadir stressed the importance of moving beyond conventional export approaches and adopting sector-focused strategies to better utilise opportunities in the Saudi market. He assured business leaders that the government is ready to provide policy support and necessary assistance to diversify exports and improve Bangladesh’s competitiveness abroad.
The minister also highlighted the significance of skilled manpower development, saying Bangladesh is represented globally not only through its products but also through its workforce employed overseas. He emphasised the need for proper training and skill development for expatriate workers, noting that a skilled workforce would contribute to higher foreign currency earnings and broader economic benefits for the country.
During the meeting, SABCCI President Ashraful Huq Chowdhury said Bangladesh’s exports to Saudi Arabia could reach $1 billion by 2027 if coordinated initiatives are taken with adequate government support.
In response, the minister requested business representatives to submit detailed and practical proposals identifying areas where policy assistance, incentives or sectoral cooperation are required. He assured the delegation that the government would carefully review realistic recommendations.
The delegation also noted that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform programme, along with preparations for the World Expo and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, has opened new opportunities for Bangladesh in sectors such as education, green technology, agriculture, environmental management, food processing, skilled manpower development and microcredit-based financing initiatives.
The meeting concluded with discussions on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
