DHAKA, May 24, (V7N): Commerce, Industries, Textiles, and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called upon the business community to submit sector-specific proposals aimed at expanding Bangladesh's export footprint in Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to extend all necessary policy and logistical support to boost bilateral trade and drive skilled manpower development.

The minister made these remarks during a strategic meeting with a high-level delegation from the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) at his ministry office in the capital.

Addressing the delegates, Minister Muktadir pointed out that while Bangladesh's export basket remains heavily reliant on the Readymade Garment (RMG) industry, massive untapped opportunities exist in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastern markets. He identified pharmaceuticals, leather goods, diversified jute products, processed foods, and other non-traditional items as key areas for growth. To successfully tap into the emerging opportunities across the Gulf region, he emphasized the need to move beyond conventional trade strategies and adopt rigorous, sector-based planning.

Highlighting the critical role of human capital, the minister noted that Bangladesh's global footprint is defined not only by its commodities but also by its expatriate workforce. He underscored the urgency of institutional training and comprehensive skill development for overseas bound workers, stating that transforming raw manpower into a highly skilled workforce is vital to increasing foreign currency earnings and stabilizing the national economy.

SABCCI President Ashraful Huq Chowdhury informed the meeting that Bangladesh’s export volume to Saudi Arabia has the potential to touch the $1 billion milestone by 2027, provided that well-coordinated public-private initiatives are deployed with strong government backing.

In response, Minister Muktadir instructed the chamber leaders to formulate and submit concrete, realistic proposals outlining the exact areas requiring policy intervention, financial incentives, or sectoral diplomatic cooperation. He assured the delegation that the government would thoroughly examine and implement practical recommendations.

The SABCCI delegation further highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Vision 2030 reform agenda, along with its extensive preparations to host the upcoming World Expo and the FIFA World Cup, has opened unprecedented commercial windows for Bangladesh. The chamber identified several high-potential sectors for bilateral engagement, including education, green technology, environmental management, desert afforestation, agricultural tech, food processing, and microcredit-based financing initiatives.

The session concluded with both sides agreeing to work closely to strengthen bilateral trade routes, promote mutual investment portfolios, and deepen broader economic cooperation between the two nations.

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