Dhaka, June 6 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates seeks to play a bigger role in helping Bangladesh achieve its growth objectives under its Vision 2021 plan, a minister said Sunday.

"We have the expertise and the resources to assist in enhancing your country's capabilities in information and communication technology, health, education and reinforcing you infrastructure. We hope to engage in key public and private partnerships and joint ventures with you to advance your ambitious development agenda", UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi said.

She was speaking at the opening of the Emirati-Bangladeshi Business Forum organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

The minister noted that so far, the UAE has invested around $2.5 billion in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, ceramics, construction, real estate and pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh.

"Many of our local companies are very interested in doing business in more areas such as agriculture, food processing, hospitality and tourism, so we look forward to your valuable inputs."