Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan has proposed a pilot project in Cox’s Bazar in partnership with the United Arab Emirates to convert saline water into safe drinking water. He also called on the UAE to increase its investment in Bangladesh.
He made the proposal during a meeting with UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Khaseif Abdulla Alhmoudi at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Highlighting future water security, the minister said excessive dependence on groundwater could challenge the availability of safe drinking water. To address the situation, he sought UAE cooperation in converting saline water in Bangladesh into safe drinking water and proposed a pilot project in Cox’s Bazar through a joint initiative between the two countries.
Emphasising the need to increase UAE investment in Bangladesh, the local government minister said Bangladesh could find large upfront investments somewhat difficult.
However, he said it would benefit the country if foreign investors came forward and allowed investment costs to be paid in installments.
He also called on the UAE to increase its investment in Bangladesh.
The ambassador said Bangladeshi workers were making important contributions to the UAE’s development.
Given demand in the country’s labour market, he emphasised the importance of exporting skilled workers and sought Bangladesh’s cooperation.
The ambassador also called for a reduction in taxes on high-quality limestone imported by Bangladesh from the UAE to increase import volumes.
The minister assured him that the relevant authorities would be informed.
UAE economist and analyst Shahmina Isha Mannan, Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Shibir Bichitra Barua, and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk
