Invest in Bangladesh's energy sector: HPM Sheikh Hasina urges Qatari business community

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged oil-rich Qatar to invest in Bangladesh's energy sector, especially in renewable energy.

"We remain open to investment proposals in our infrastructures and logistics sectors. We believe there is scope for Qatari investment in the energy sector, including in renewable energy," she said.

The premier was addressing the Doha Investment Summit 2023 titled -- The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potentials of Trade and Investment in Bangladesh -- held at Grand Ballroom of The St Regis Doha.

She mentioned that Bangladesh could benefit from Qatar's expertise in offshore gas exploration and energy distribution system.

She urged the business people from Qatar to look at certain thrust sectors in Bangladesh and invited a delegation of Qatari business people to visit the country soon.

"I also urge the non-resident Bangladeshis based in Qatar to invest in Bangladesh. We need your participation in our nation-building efforts," she said.

PM Hasina said that Bangladesh's bilateral relations with Qatar should be readjusted based on a mutually beneficial economic partnership as there are immense untapped potentials.

"Bangladesh and Qatar are bound by strong brotherly ties and friendship. Our two nations need to reposition our ties based on a mutually beneficial economic partnership," she said.

She also put emphasis on setting up a Joint Committee on Trade and Investment and a Joint Business Forum to bring private sectors on a single platform.

"Our two governments should work on setting up a Joint Committee on Trade and Investment. There should also be a Joint Business Forum to bring our private sectors on a single platform," she said.

She mentioned that Bangladesh's agricultural growth also creates scope for cooperation in agro-processing industries, with buy-back arrangements to Qatar.

"We have plans to set up three special tourism zones, where Qatar can engage in both real estate and hospitality sectors," she said.

The PM said that Bangladesh aspires to have at least ten Unicorns in 'Smart Bangladesh', and country's vibrant start-up scene is ready to draw Qatari investment.

In addition, she said, Qatari investors can consider portfolio investment in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission is working hard to further develop our capital markets. We have taken several steps to establish our bond market on a solid footing. We are soon going to include derivative products in our capital markets," she said.