They said frequent exchange of business delegations and participation of Bangladeshi businesspeople in trade fairs in these countries can help reach this goal.

The ministers from the three African countries were speaking at a meeting between The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at the chamber auditorium yesterday.

DCCI President Matiur Rahman presided over the meeting. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman and DCCI directors were present.

The trade ministers from the three least developed countries (LDCs), who attended the second LDC trade ministers' meeting in Dhaka, also underscored the need for identifying possible areas of cooperation among the LDCs and taking action plans to enhance trade relations.

Sierra Leone Trade and Industry Minister Kadi Sesay said LDCs have to explore the possibilities of enhancement of trade and economic co-operation to boost their economies.

Kadi said the relationship between Bangladesh and Sierra Leone is very well as Bangladeshi military personnel have helped her country's reconstruction and rehabilitation work after an eleven-year war.

"Two countries should work together to develop their bilateral trade relations," she said.

Kadi said Sierra Leone has liberalised its economy to enhance its development. "It has stable foreign exchange rate, tax holiday facility on exportable items and hundred per cent investment allowance for the foreign investors," she said.

Though Sierra Leone has only five million people, it has achieved duty-free access to the US, Canada and Australia. "So investment in the country's exportable sector like tourism, minerals and agriculture will be beneficial for the foreign investors," said Kadi.

Ugandan Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Akaki Ayumu Jovino invited Bangladeshi businessmen to exportable sectors like tea, sugar, cotton and tourism.

Tanzanian Trade and Industry Minister Juma A Mgasongwa said his country is doing well in textile and leather sector and Bangladeshi investors are welcome in these sectors.

DCCI President said almost all the sectors of Bangladesh are open to foreign investors and a unique package of incentives is on the offer for the foreign investors.

The ICC-Bangladesh president said share of the LDCs in the global trade was 2 per cent in the 60s, but came down to 0.4 per cent in the 90s. "Whereas we are not against free trade, we want it to be fair trade as well and for that LDCs must have a united stand at all ministerial forums including WTO," he added.