Bangladesh, Qatar ink MoU on central bank cooperation

Bangladesh and Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the cooperation between the two central banks. Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani signed the MoU at Qatar Central Bank office on Monday, said a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry. During a discussion, Qatar Central Bank governor lauded the leadership of Bangladesh for rapid development in the country. Ali briefed the governor on the ongoing projects in Bangladesh and elaborated the policy of regional connectivity and economic integration adhered by Bangladesh. Abdulla Bin Saoud proposed to send a Qatari delegation to discuss the ways and means of cooperation between the two central banks under the purview of this MoU. Ali hoped that Bangladesh Bank governor might make a visit to Qatar to further deepen this cooperation. He also held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani at the QIA Headquarter. He briefed the QIA chief that Bangladesh attained 7.1% GDP growth rate in the last fiscal year and poised to achieve similar or more growth in the current fiscal year. "With the continued economic prospect, Bangladesh is looking forward to achieve 8% or more growth leading to 2021," Ali added. The QIA chief expressed willingness to invest in LNG, power generation, investment in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and other infrastructural development projects in Bangladesh. The foreign minister informed that a high powered delegation from Bangladesh would visit Qatar to discuss on the possible areas of economic and development cooperation with Qatar in the sideline of the 17th Doha Economic Forum to be held from May 14 to 15. Later the foreign minister called on the Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar. During the meeting, Ali expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to establishing a training centre for Qatar-bound workers of Bangladesh with the assistance of Qatar government. They also discussed the rapid economic progress of Bangladesh, ways to increase the bilateral trade and investment and regular exchange of business delegations.