Commerce ministry seeks sector-based proposals from businesses to boost exports to Saudi Arabia

Commerce, Industries, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said that Bangladesh’s identity abroad is represented through trade, business, and employment opportunities created overseas.

He said the government is ready to provide necessary support to enhance the country’s image, export capacity, and skilled human resources.

The minister made the remarks when a delegation from the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI) met him at his office in the city on the day.

Khandaker Muktadir said Bangladesh’s exports are still heavily dependent on the ready-made garments sector.

However, he said that there is significant potential for exporting pharmaceuticals, leather goods, jute products, food items, and consumer-oriented garments tailored to Saudi demand in the Saudi Arabian and broader Middle Eastern markets.

“To tap these opportunities, businesses must move beyond conventional approaches and adopt sector-based planning,” he said.

Referring to expatriate workers, the minister said people who go abroad for work make enormous sacrifices.

“If proper training and skill development can be ensured for them, individuals, families, and the country as a whole will benefit. Alongside earning foreign currency, skilled human resources can become a major asset for Bangladesh,” he said.

Addressing the delegation, the commerce minister said businesses need to submit specific proposals outlining what kind of support is required in different sectors, where policy support is needed, and where financial or sector-specific assistance is necessary.

“If realistic proposals are received, the government will consider them seriously,” he said.

Speaking at the meeting, Ashraful Haque Chowdhury, president of the SBCCI, said there is huge export and trade potential for Bangladeshi products and services in the Saudi market.

He said Bangladesh’s exports to Saudi Arabia could be increased to US$1.0 billion by 2027 if coordinated initiatives and government support are ensured.

The delegation said new opportunities have emerged for Bangladesh in areas such as education, skilled manpower development, green technology, environment, desert afforestation, agriculture and food sectors, and microcredit-based financing, centering on Saudi Vision 2030, the World Expo, and the FIFA World Cup.

The meeting also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and sector-based cooperation between the two countries.

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