Bangladesh and Qatar have expressed satisfaction with the level of understanding and cooperation in different areas and have agreed to work together to elevate this cooperation to the partnership level in the near future.
 
Under the framework of cooperation, Qatar has agreed to enhance its support for the Matarbari deep-sea port in Moheshkhali upazila of Coxs Bazar to transform the region, like Penang, Malaysia, by investing in logistics and infrastructure hubs and playing a significant role in facilitating cargo shipments.

"It will connect Matarbari with Doha directly. A high-level Qatari delegation will visit Dhaka soon to examine the investment issue. However, Bangladesh will get a chance to tap into the Central Bank of Qatars Sukuk fund," a senior government official said.

Matarbari is under the Maheshkhali Economic Zone (Dalghata), located beside the Bay of Bengal, with a total area of about 3500 acres. BEZA has allotted approximately 510 acres of land to SPL Petrochemical Complex Ltd. and SK Gas Korea. SPL Petrochemical Complex Limited (SPCL) will build a petrochemical production base and a large LPG terminal in the Moheskhali Economic Zone (EZ) under Coxs Bazar. However, Qatar has agreed to invest there to develop infrastructure and logistics, the official said.

Concluding his 24-hour visit to Bangladesh, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left Dhaka on Tuesday evening for Kathmandu, Nepal, terming the visit a "significant contribution" to the consolidation of ties and elevating Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level.

At the invitation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Emir of Qatar paid a state visit to Bangladesh. During bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need for enhancing bilateral cooperation through exchange of visits, increased interaction at all levels, and strengthening engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.

"The meeting was held in a cordial and amicable environment. The Qatari Emirs visit is expected to further generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries," said the Bangladesh side.

Both leaders discussed bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security, and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, especially Palestine issues.

In her opening remarks, Bangladesh Prime Minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multicultural society and Qatars role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under the stewardship of Emir Sheikh Tamim.

The Qatari Emir appreciated the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination. He expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors in Bangladesh.

He also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both countries.

This highest-level visit took place after around 19 years from the Qatari side, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.

The Emir had an audience with President Mohammad Shahabuddin the same day. The President extended a warm welcome to the Emir at Bangabhaban .The President praised the leadership and vision of Emir Sheikh Tamim.

They held discussions on a wide range of issues related to bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, as well as regional issues of mutual interest.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin urged Qatar to invest more in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh will welcome investments in various sectors, including state-led food supply chains from production to consumption such as agro-production and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture, and fertilizer production," he said.

Acknowledging Qatar as a valuable development partner of Bangladesh in the Gulf region, the President said the Emirs visit and the signing of cooperation documents-five agreements and five MoUs-between the two countries will further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the days to come.

Later, the Emir joined an official luncheon at Bangabhaban hosted in his honor by the President Sahabuddin.

The luncheon was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, members of the cabinet, and other dignitaries. A cultural program representing Bangladeshs tradition, heritage, and culture was also held.