Special Correspondent: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Bangladeshi manpower exporters to focus on sending skilled, technically qualified and well-educated workers to Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom prepares for a major expansion of economic and infrastructure activities.

The President made the call when a seven-member delegation of the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI), led by its President Ashraful Haq Chowdhury, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon.

President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said the delegation briefed the President on the growing participation of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and businesses in Saudi Arabia’s development activities.

The delegation highlighted the wide-ranging economic and infrastructure projects being undertaken in Saudi Arabia under its Vision 2030, as well as opportunities linked to the World Expo and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

Against this backdrop, President Mirza Fakhrul stressed the need for Bangladesh to take advantage of the emerging demand by supplying workers with appropriate education, technical knowledge and professional skills.

He particularly encouraged manpower exporters to explore opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, where Saudi Arabia is expected to require increasing numbers of qualified professionals.

The President also advised the delegation to make effective use of the emerging opportunities in the Saudi market and assured them of the government’s full cooperation.

The SABCCI delegation said the organisation is already working in five major Saudi cities, engaging skilled manpower with technical and technological backgrounds to promote Bangladeshi products, services and investment potential.

According to the delegation, its activities are also aimed at projecting Bangladesh’s positive image in Saudi Arabia and strengthening the country’s global branding under the concept of “Branding Bangladesh.”

The delegation members said Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development programme is creating opportunities not only for workers but also for Bangladeshi businesses and entrepreneurs.

They also invited President Mirza Fakhrul to attend the inaugural ceremony of an upcoming international seminar in Dhaka, which will bring together prominent Saudi investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen.

The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he would attend the event.

SABCCI Vice-President Sheikh Nasir Uddin and directors Priti Chakraborty, Mohammad Jannatul Ferdous, A B M Siddiqe, Mohammed Sazzad Un Newaz, Zahiruddin Mahmud and Mohammad Shamsul Alam Liton were present at the meeting.

The President’s Military Secretary and Secretary were also present.

The meeting comes at a time when Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are seeking to deepen economic engagement beyond traditional labour migration, with skilled manpower, trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation emerging as important areas of bilateral economic relations.