The first MOU aims at enhancing economic cooperation, while the second has to do with exchange of information between the government news agencies of the two countries.

The talks between the two delegations were held on a highly optimistic note, with both sides showing eagerness to break new grounds in cooperation. It is a good thing that there is appreciation in Qatar of the role being played by Bangladeshi workers in her economic development. The members of the Qatar delegation held out the prospect for a substantial number of Bangladeshi workers to be recruited in future.

Qatar is prepared to extend technical assistance to us in exploring mineral resources. This is an important area for a country like Bangladesh which needs to exploit all its natural resources for the sake of rapid economic progress.

Doha has also agreed to import cement. This will be an impetus to the local producers looking for space in the international market.

The high-profile visit of the Emir is likely to help boost the private sector-to-private sector relationship between the two countries which would augur extremely well for the expansion of business and trade ties.

Bangladesh has a very liberal policy as far as foreign investment is concerned and would like to see a friendly country like Qatar make the most out of the opportunities available here. It is heartening to note that a high-powered Qatar delegation will soon visit Bangladesh to identify new areas of investment.