Bangladesh, Qatar sign 10 cooperation documents to take ties to new height

Bangladesh and Qatar on Tuesday (23 April) signed 10 cooperation documents, five agreements and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), to strengthen ties on multiple fronts and help the relations reach a new height.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.

The areas of the five signed agreements include cooperation in the legal field between Bangladesh and the State of Qatar, the promotion and protection of mutual investments, the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion concerning taxes in income between Qatar and Bangladesh, maritime transport, and the establishment of Joint Business Council (JBC) between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI).

The MoUs were signed on cooperation in the fields of sports and youth between Bangladesh and Qatar, cooperation in the field of manpower employment (Labour) between the Ministry of Labour, State of Qatar and Bangladesh, cooperation in diplomatic training between Bangladesh and Qatar, cooperation in the field of education, higher education and scientific research between Bangladesh and Qatar, and Qatar Ports management company Mwani Qatar and Chittagong Ports Authority.

Earlier in the morning PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Amir Sheikh Tamim at her office, where they had a one-to-one meeting, followed by a bilateral meeting.

During the bilateral talks at the Prime Minister's Office, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including war in Gaza and repatriation of the Myanmar nationals Rohingya. 

Both leaders expressed deep concerns over the escalation of tension and violence in the Middle East and called for the global leaders to take effective measures for a durable solution to the question of Palestine.

After signing the visitors' book there, the Qatar Amir went to the Bangabhaban in the afternoon to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

A high-level Qatari delegation headed by Qatar's Amir paid a state visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the president and the prime minister of Bangladesh.

After wrapping up his 24-hour state visit, Qatar's Amir left Dhaka for Kathmandu, Nepal. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a senior official at the ministry.

In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed significant improvements in its relationship with Qatar, particularly in the realm of energy imports.

According to Gulf Times, the trade exchange volume between both countries surged to roughly QAR 7.8 billion (approx $2.14 billion) in 2023 from QAR 2.4 billion (approximately $659.34 million) in 2018, a more than 200% growth primarily ascribed to the key role of private sectors in both countries.

Qatar is the main LNG supplier to Bangladesh. In January 2024, QatarEnergy and US-based Excelerate Energy inked a long-term deal under which Bangladesh would receive 1 million metric tonnes per year (MTPY) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 15 years from January 2026.

President meets Qatar Amir, seeks investment in SEZs

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday sought Qatar's investment in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh while holding a meeting with the Qatar Amir at the Bangabhaban, reports BSS.

"The Bangladesh government has set up 100 SEZs for foreign investors and Qatari investors can invest there. They may invest in agro-production and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture and fertiliser production," the president told the Amir.

President Shahabuddin said the Qatari investors can avail the comprehensive incentives and support in investing in some areas like petrochemicals, energy, machinery, IT, electronics, ceramics, agri-business and food processing in the SEZs.

President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed the media BSS after the meeting.

Expressing gratitude to the Qatar government for hosting around 3.75 lakh Bangladeshi nationals, President Shahabuddin urged the Qatar Amir to recruit more semi-skilled and skilled young manpower, IT experts, professionals and technicians from Bangladesh.

Thanking the Qatar government for providing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Bangladesh, the President sought long-term energy assistance from Qatar.