The Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony held on Tuesday evening (October 7) at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attended the event as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the chamber.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan joined the event as Special Guest. Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party (NCP), as well as more than two hundred representatives from political, business, and diplomatic circles were present on the occasion.
In his keynote speech, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said, “The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is not limited to religious or humanitarian ties—it is a long-standing friendship built on mutual trust. SABCCI will take this friendship to a new height by opening doors for trade and investment.”
He urged Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s ports, power, energy, and mega infrastructure projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment.
Presided over by SABCCI President Ashraful Haque Chowdhury, the event also featured remarks from Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, who said, “It is remarkable that, 53 years after our independence, we are witnessing the establishment of such an important chamber. One may wonder—why so late? Yet, this beginning gives us great hope.”
He emphasized that the friendship between the two nations should continue to strengthen and that economic cooperation should advance at a faster pace.
A 20-member high-level Saudi delegation attended the ceremony, led by Sheikh Omar Abdulhafeez Amirbok, Chairman of the Majd Al Omran Group, which operates in hospitality and real estate sectors. The delegation also included Naji Abdullah, Director of Al Essaie Group (active in service and manufacturing), Professor Mohammad Asif Salam from King Abdulaziz University and founder of an IT company, as well as Dr. Khalid Al Harbi, a health expert from Al Tayba University.
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural segment featuring traditional music and dance performances from both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
Speakers expressed optimism that SABCCI will serve as a dynamic platform to boost bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in the coming years.
