He also said there is a lot of scope for Malaysian investment in other fields, particularly telecommunications, communications and power.

Mahathir made the remarks during his discussion with Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office.

Welcoming the former Malaysian premier, Khaleda sought cooperation with Malaysia so that the Bangladeshis working in Malaysia can work on a regular basis and more skilled and unskilled manpower is recruited from Bangladesh.

Mahathir informed Khaleda that the new administration in Malaysia is "taking time in reviewing its new intake" and the new prime minister would inform Bangladesh about the manpower matter.

About the trade gap between the two countries, Mahathir said the business delegation accompanying him will explore the business prospects in Bangladesh.

Khaleda sought Malaysian cooperation in the development of the potential tourism sector in Bangladesh either through joint venture or fully owned entrepreneurship.

"There are a number of beautiful tourist spots like Saint Martin's Island and the Sundarbans that can be developed for tourists' attraction from home and abroad," the prime minister said, seeking investment in a bigger way in the potential areas.

Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Ashaary bin Sani and Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury were present.