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CONGRESSMEN MEET KHALEDA

PM seeks free RMG access to US market

BSS, Dhaka
The US Congress delegation, on a four-day visit here, yesterday assured Bangladesh of all cooperation in its socio-economic development and efforts to explore potentials in the international arena.
Visiting US Congress representatives Joseph Crowley, current cochairperson of Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, and Gregory W Meeks called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office
and conveyed the US assurance.
Referring to the large-scale women employment in the garment sector, Khaleda sought cooperation of the US government for quota-free greater access of Bangladeshi garment to the US market and more US investment in Bangladesh.
She also urged the US parliamentary team to help enhance trade and commerce between the two countries and protection of Bangladeshi expatriates in the US. Describing Bangladesh as a democratic, liberal and moderate Muslim country, Crowley said the South Asian country could be a model for other Muslim countries.
They lauded the government's steps in education, empowerment of women and developing reforms in the economic sector.
The PM also apprised the US delegates of her government's programmes.
Both Crowley and Meeks praised Bangladeshi workers in the US and said they were contributing significantly to the US economy.
The delegates lauded the role of Bangladeshi troops in the United Nations peace keeping missions and said their contribution has heightened the country's image abroad.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry K Thomas, accompanying the Congress team, conveyed US condolence to the PM at the death of 15 Bangladesh soldiers in a plane crush in Benin recently.
Earlier, the visiting Congressmen attended a lunch
hosted by Foreign Affairs Minister M Morshed Khan at State Guest House, Padma.
Abdul Awal Mintoo, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) received them at Zia International Airport in the morning.
The US Congress team will meet Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.
They will hold talks with the FBCCI members on issues like bilateral trade and commerce, investment promotion and other points.
They will also attend a conference on "Water and Arsenic Contamination" organised by the International Farakka Committee. America-Bangladesh Friendship Society will accord a reception to the US Congressmen.
They will visit an adolescent centre run by the United Nations Food Programme and see some historic sites in the capital.