Dhaka, 15.01.2020:

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nahyan admired the overall socio-economic development of Bangladesh and advancement of Bangladesh people. Dr. Momen briefed the UAE Foreign Minister about the development march of Bangladesh. He cited that with a sustained GDP growth of about 7% per year for the last decade, Bangladesh ranks the highest in terms of cumulative GDP growth in the world and with the present growth rate of more than 8%, Bangladesh is also the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. He added that during the present tenure of the Government of  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, poverty level has been drastically reduced from 42% - 20 % during the last several years and the government targets to reduce it  to 15% in the near future.

Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week programmes at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 14 January 2020. The meeting took place alongside the Panel Interview to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Future Sustainability Summit: Inclusive and Multilateral Climate Action segment. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary to the Prime Minister Tofazzal Hossain Miah and high officials of Bangladesh and UAE sides were present at the call.

Dr. Momen said that in order to achieve the Visions set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Bangladesh relies on the active cooperation and assistance from friendly countries like UAE.

Dr. Momen also informed that Bangladesh has earned revolution in agricultural sector - the country being now surplus in food production. He added that the mainstay of Bangladesh economy is RMG, remittance from expatriates Bangladesh nationals and agri and agro-based products. He also informed about the projects undertaken by the government like crop diversification and the introduction of high yielding varieties of seeds. He commented that the large participation of women in economic sectors also contributed to the high growth of the economy.

Dr. Momen also briefed that Government is providing financial assistance to the marginalized people to develop capital. He particularly cited the success of the Government in power generation sector. He mentioned that agriculture, industry, construction of infrastructure are important sectors where huge amount of energy is required.

The Foreign Minister also apprised him about the stalled situation with displaced Rohingya nationals living in Bangladesh. He conveyed thanks to the UAE for supporting Bangladesh on Rohingya issue at different platforms. He called for UAE’s continued support on the crisis.

UAE Foreign Minister commended the large participation of Bangladesh IT professionals in outsourcing sector. He enquired to know about the future development strategy of the Bangladesh government. Dr. Momen responded that government has taken initiatives to establish 100 Economic Zones, 28 Hi-tech Parks and related infrastructure, a good number of which have already been developed.  

Dr. Momen urged that the  UAE side to make official declaration on opening of all sectors of recruitment for Bangladesh nationals in the UAE. The UAE Foreign Minister assured Dr. Momen that the UAE side would consider the proposal. Dr. Momen also informed that Bangladesh would like to participate in Dubai Expo 2020 in large scale. The UAE Foreign Minister assured that their side would try to ensure larger Bangladesh presence at the Expo.

At the end of the meeting, both Ministers signed the Agreement on Allotment of land to Bangladesh Embassy at diplomatic enclave in Abu Dhabi in reciprocity to allotment of land for UAE Embassy in Dhaka.