PM urges UAE to invest in SEZs

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited businessmen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for the mutual benefits of the two countries, reports BSS.

The Prime Minister made the invitation when the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh Dr. Saeed Bin Hajar Al Shehi paid a farewell call on her at Ganobhaban here today.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said various issues related to bilateral interests came up at discussion.

Referring to the steps of her government for establishing 100 economic zones for industrialization, Sheikh Hasina said her government is ready to allot necessary land to the UAE businessmen for developing industries as they wish.

The Prime Minister said her government set a target to generate 24,000 MW of electricity by 2021 in where the UAE can extend support.

Sheikh Hasina requested the ambassador to revive the initiative of UAE government to establish a specialized hospital in Rangunia, Chittagong.

During the meeting, the Premier also requested the UAE government for signing a MoU on visa exemption for the diplomatic and official passport holders to further enhance government-to-government cooperation.

In reply, the UAE Ambassador said the issue would be discussed at a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh and the UAE to be held in February next.

Dr. Saeed Bin Hajar Al Shehi informed the Prime Minister that during his tenure in Bangladesh, three agreements - one on Air Services, one on security cooperation and another on transfer of sentenced persons - have been signed between the two countries.

Besides, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between the countries during the time, he said.

The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Ambassador for his pro-active role in taking bilateral ties to a new height.

Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Military Secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Jainul Abedin, were present, among others.