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Dhaka, Doha to expand cooperation, sign MoUs

STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Bangladesh and Qatar agreed to strengthen bilateral co-operation in economic, social and trade sectors during official talks between two heads of the government yesterday evening.
Besides, Dhaka and Doha signed two MoUs (memorandum of understanding). The first MoU was signed for strengthening economic cooperation while the second one to enable the government news agen-
cies of the two countries to exchange information, said sources.
Another MoU is likely to be signed at private level by the chamber leaders of Bangladesh and Qatar to bolster trade and commerce between the two nations.
The two sides expressed optimism that the visit of the amir of Qatar would open up a new chapter of bilateral relation between two countries. Besides, various activities like investment, increase in export
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and import, technical assistance and other works of co-operation would follow the visit.
The Qatari delegation at the talks said that in the next five years they would recruit a large number of manpower from abroad and substantial numbers of them would be from Bangladesh. Besides, they will import cement from Bangladesh.
Qatar would provide Bangladesh with technical assistance in exploring mineral resources.
The Qatari delegation appreciated the Bangladeshi workers for their contribution to the development of Qatar. More than 60,000 Bangladeshis are currently working in Qatar.
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia led the Bangladesh side while visiting Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani led the Qatar side at the official talks.
Finance minister M Saifur Rahman, Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan, Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury assisted the Prime Minsiter Khaleda Zia at the official talks.
State Ministers for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin and Expatriate and Overseas Welfare Mohammad Quamrul Islam were also present.
Briefing the newsmen after the talks Foreign Secretary Hemayet
Uddin said the Amir of Qatar and his delegation were happy at the warm reception hosted by the Bangladesh government.
They also lauded Bangladesh for its role in UN led peace keeping efforts. Qatar feels proud of having such large number of peace-keeping forces from Bangladesh, he told thejournalists.
The Qatar delegation also praised the investment-friendly atmosphere in Bangladesh. A high-powered delegation from Qatar would visit Bangladesh soon to see in which sectors they can invest in, they
Earlier in the afternoon, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani arrived at Zia International Airport. He was accompanied by a large delegation, which include among others business leaders of the country.
President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia received him at the airport, where he was given a red carpet reception.
After a colourful ceremony at the airport, the delegation went to the Prime Minister's Office to hold official talks. They attended an official banquet at Hotel Sonargaon in the evening.
The amir of Qatar leaves Dhaka this morning wrapping up his two-day official visit.