The United Arab Emirates has pledged comprehensive cooperation to Bangladesh in the energy sector, aiming to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations. UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Hamoudi conveyed this commitment during a meeting with Bangladesh State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on Friday. The discussion focused on strategic interests and the long-term potential for collaboration in energy infrastructure and supply chain management.
State Minister Amit highlighted that the United Arab Emirates has historically been one of the primary and most reliable sources for Bangladesh’s crude oil and petroleum product imports. In light of global market volatility and price fluctuations, he reiterated the government’s commitment to a "Bangladesh First" policy framework designed to secure national energy interests. The Minister emphasized the need to deepen the partnership to insulate the local economy from sudden shocks in the global energy market.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trade. The Minister stressed the importance of securing long-term contracts to mitigate the risks associated with the volatility of the spot market. Furthermore, the discussions covered the modernization of Bangladesh’s power and energy grid, carbon emission reduction strategies, and the construction of automated substations. Proposals were also tabled regarding the development of energy bunkering facilities near Bangladesh’s major ports, an area where the UAE holds substantial expertise.
Innovation in green energy was a prominent theme in the meeting. With the UAE currently establishing a major hub for green hydrogen production, Minister Amit expressed Bangladesh`s interest in adopting similar technologies. He proposed that the government seeks investment and technical cooperation to transition natural gas-dependent industries, such as fertilizer plants and heavy steel manufacturing, toward green hydrogen or green ammonia. The Minister noted that this transition is essential for Bangladesh’s sustainable industrial development and alignment with global environmental standards.
Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Hamoudi expressed his government’s keen interest in contributing to the advancement of Bangladesh’s power and energy sector. He affirmed that the UAE is prepared to provide necessary technical and investment support to help Bangladesh achieve its long-term development goals. The Ambassador expressed his determination to elevate the historical partnership between the two nations to new heights. The meeting was also attended by Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, and other senior officials from the UAE embassy. This continued collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Bangladesh`s energy landscape.
