"There is an urgent need to bolster bilateral economic relations. There are several areas where we could harness our resources for mutual benefit," the ambassador told Arab News, adding that he would ask the Saudi government to import more goods from Dhaka and encourage Saudi businessmen to invest in his country.

Bangladeshi exports crossed $74 million, while its imports from the Kingdom touched $344 million. Bangladesh exports pharmaceutical products, ceramics and leather goods to Western countries. "We hope to look for markets for these products in the Kingdom," said Karim, adding, "Dhaka will try to bridge the balance of trade which is in the Kingdom's favor."

He said Saudi investors could invest in infrastructure development, road construction and communications. "They will get attractive returns for their foreign investments in the country," he said, adding that there is a large number of skilled workers in the medical, paramedical, engineering and IT sectors who could be employed in new projects in the Kingdom.

Rejecting misconceptions about Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom, the envoy said that no one can judge a community by the misdoings of a few. "The majority of the 1.8 million workers have earned a good name for their country by way of their perseverance and loyalty toward their employers," he said, adding that Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom send more than $ 1 billion annually to their country.

Karim said the country is duty-bound to look after the welfare of foreign Bangladeshi workers. "We have even arranged legal assistance for distressed workers to help sort out their labor problems," he said.

Prior to his posting here, Karim, served as the Bangladesh ambassador to Italy.

By Muhammad Rasooldeen

© Arab News 2008

 

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