She made the observations when newly appointed Ambassador of Qatar to Bangladesh Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla called on her at the PM office yesterday afternoon.

Khaleda Zia underscored the need for formation of a Bangladesh-Qatar Joint Business Forum to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

She called upon Qatar to recruit more manpower, particularly professionals as well as skilled and semi-skilled workers, from Bangladesh.

Referring to availability of doctors and trained nurses in Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia suggested that Qatar could invest in joint venture to set up a world class hospital here.

She told the envoy that Bangladeshi workers are now being imparted training on different trades and taught foreign languages to make them ready for overseas employment.

Referring to 60,000 Bangladeshis presently working in various sectors in Qatar, the envoy appreciated their performance.

The prime minister said Qatar can import more silk, tea, pharmaceutical products, ceramics, melamine, leather and leather goods, jute and jute goods, garments, fish, fruits and vegetables from Bangladesh.

She thanked Qatar for its investment in social service sector in Bangladesh and expected increased investment in the future.

Khaleda Zia recalled her meeting with Qatar Ameer Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani during the last OIC Summit in Kuala Lumpur and conveyed regards to the Ameer through the ambassador. She also invited the Ameer of Qatar to visit Bangladesh.