UAE calls for joint business council with Bangladesh

Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) of the United Arab Emirates Abdulnasser Alshaali said a joint business council would facilitate deeper bilateral economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and the UAE.

Alshaali made this remark at a meeting with Rizwan Rahman, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in Dhaka on Sunday.

UAE Embassy in Dhaka Chargé d'Affaires Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi also attended the meeting, said a media statement from the embassy on Monday.

“The establishment of a joint business council would facilitate broader and deeper engagement with both public and private sector stakeholders, especially in emerging sectors of mutual interest,” the assistant minister said.

“Now it is the right time to begin discussions on a closer partnership, especially as we work to overcome the fallout from Covid-19,” he added.

Alshaali said Bangladesh’s extraordinary resilience and growth serve as a model for other countries.

He further noted the importance of collective approaches to global issues such as food security in order to address any unforeseen supply chain disruptions, such as those that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

DCCI President Rizwan Rahman opined that the UAE could play a vital role in boosting the economic growth of Bangladesh by sharing technical know-how and transferring technology.

He also thanked the UAE Embassy in Dhaka for the proactive and catalytic role played in enhancing bilateral relations.

“As the most vibrant chamber of commerce of the country, DCCI will provide all the support needed to UAE businesses,” he asserted.

Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi said, “The bilateral relationship has historically been based on shared beliefs, mutual respect and meaningful cooperation, with both countries working together to cope with common challenges and support each other in the international setting.”

Assistant Minister Alshaali arrived in Dhaka on November 14 leading a high-profile delegation to attend the 21st Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

In addition to the IORA meetings, the assistant minister and his delegation will attend the 5th UAE-Bangladesh Joint Committee Meeting, added the statement.