PM Hasina hails Saudi Arabia as important development partner

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Saudi Arabia is a friendly country to Bangladesh and an important development partner.

The prime minister was speaking on Wedneday at a concession agreement signing ceremony between the Chittagong Port Authority and Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Gateway Terminal for the operation of the newly built Patenga container terminal on a PPP-G2G basis, reports UNB.

The ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the presence of Sheikh Hasina and visiting Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A Al-Falih.

Sheikh Hasina said the container terminal was a beacon of hope for Bangladesh's economic uplifting.

“This self-reliant modern terminal will enhance the capacity of our port, facilitate seamless trade, and create job opportunities and entrepreneurship,” she said.

The prime minister said the terminal would act as a gateway to global trade, opening up new opportunities for the country's businesses to connect with the world.

“We look forward to a future where the Patenga container terminal will become a driving force for economic growth and prosperity in Bangladesh.”

She said the concession agreement was a testament to Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia’s joint vision and steadfast commitment to economic cooperation and prosperity. “It will strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the field of trade and commerce.”

She added that the people of Bangladesh had deep respect and trust for the people of Saudi Arabia and always found Saudi Arabia close to their hearts.

The prime minister said Red Sea Gateway Terminal was a reputed global terminal operator designated by the Saudi government.

“My sincere thanks and congratulations to the Saudi government for appointing this terminal operator to operate the Patenga container terminal. This initiative of the Saudi authorities is undoubtedly a recognition of the ongoing development and economic potential of Bangladesh.”

She said Red Sea Gateway Terminal would operate the terminal for the next 22 years.

“I hope that Red Sea Gateway Terminal, with its reputation for managing Jeddah port and other terminals, will manage the Patenga container terminal with its skills and technical know-how," said the prime minister.

By doing this, she said, Chittagong port operations would become more efficient and meet international standards.

“Consequently, our economy will benefit from a significant decrease in import-export expenses," she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Saudi government, especially to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, for their trust in and cooperation with the government and people of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Saudi minister of investment and his delegation for their firm support in the implementation of the project.

“Your commitment to the economic development of Bangladesh is deeply appreciated,” she told the Saudi minister.

She hoped this agreement would help increase Saudi investment in Bangladesh.

Source: UNB