Chief Adviser of Bangladesh interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus will attend the World Governments Summit 2025 at the invitation of Vice-President and the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates (UAE)  Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to be held in Dubai  on February 12-14, sources in Dhaka and Dubai said.

In 2025, the World Governments Summit  will convene under the theme Shaping Future Governments.” This Summit will bring together governments international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring  and empowering the next generation of governments.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum established the World Governments Summit in 2013 to serve as a global knowledge exchange platform for governments. The Summit endeavors to usher thought leaders-policy-makers, businesses, and civil society - into the future by showcasing cutting-edge government innovation and service excellence.

During the visit Chief Adviser Dr Yunus is expected to have a number of sideline and bilateral meetings and official talks with his UAE counterparts.

Sources said Dr Yunus will request UAE authorities to open labour marker to Bangladeshis and reopen tourist visas.

During the meetings the leaders would have opportunities to review the whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries

They will explore the potential for further expanding the bilateral engagements in different sectors inter alia investment, trade, aviation, energy security (including renewable energy), food security, port management, environment etc.

The main pillar of UAE-Bangladesh bilateral relations is the Bangladeshi manpower working in this country. The UAE is the second largest labour market and the second largest remittance provider for Bangladesh.

At present, an estimated 10 lakhs Bangladeshis are working in this country In FY 2023-24 remittance inflow from the UAE stood at $4.6 billion.

Bangladesh-UAE bilateral trade has increased significantly. In 2023-24 the total trade between Bangladesh and UAE was around $17 Billion, from its peak of $ 25 billion in FY 2021-22. In the FY 2023-24, our exports were $ 405.1 million and imports were 51294.5 million. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on formation of joint Business Council was signed between FBBCI and UAE FCCI in March 2022, though no effective steps have been taken under the MOU.

Meanwhile, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) suspended visas for Bangladeshi workers in July 2024.

Bangladesh sent a total of 493 workers in October,2024,  176 workers in November and 23 workers in December, according to the data of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Meanwhile, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi has assured Dhaka of early disposal of the visa issues for the Bangladeshi nationals.

He made the assurance while paid a courtesy call on foreign secretary Md. Jashim Uddin, at the foreign ministry in October, said an official press release in October, 2024.

The pledge came as the foreign secretary urged the envoy to address the restrictions on issuance of visas including pending employment visa applications, ensuring smoother mobility for the workforce.

During the meeting, Jashim highlighted the significant reforms being undertaken by the interim government, aimed at fostering political and economic stability and growth across various sectors.

The foreign secretary, while expressing appreciation for the contributions of Bangladeshi expatriates in the oil-rich nation, thanked the UAE government and the Ambassador for the general pardon extended to convicted nationals who had expressed solidarity with the student-led mass movement in Bangladesh.

The discussion also focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and addressing key issues including easing visa procedure, augmenting trade and investment, and social welfare projects between the two nations.

The ambassador acknowledged the presence of the large Bangladeshi diaspora working in the hospitality, finance, banking, and health sectors of the UAE.

The discussion touched upon opportunities for investment and business development, and  the Ambassador expressed the keen interest of prominent UAE entities such as logistics leader DP World, renewable energy company MASDAR, air service provider Dnata, and cooperation between Bangladesh and the Al-Nahiyan Trust's welfare initiatives.

The Foreign Secretary appreciated the significant remittances received from the UAE, acknowledging their vital contributions to Bangladesh’s economic growth.

Both the sides discussed the prospect of high-level political exchanges with a view to advancing bilateral cooperation