The New Delhi-based Ambassador to Bangladesh said he would work to intensify trade, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

He gave the assurances when he called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office yesterday.

Appreciating the government's policies, the Mexican envoy said a favourable investment climate exists in Bangladesh.

Khaleda in this regard mentioned the facilities of export processing zones (EPZs) and the cheap labour in

Bangladesh and special packages offered by the present government.

She also urged the Mexican authorities to import pharmaceutical products, ceramics, jute, jute goods,

leather and leather goods from Bangladesh.

The Mexican envoy informed that a huge market of nearly 20 billion US dollars exists in Mexico.

Referring to garments imported by Mexico, Morfin said he will also work for access of Bangladeshi textiles to Mexican market.

He also assured of taking initiative for admission of Bangladeshi students in the Mexican institutions and jobs for teachers and scholars from Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Khaleda sought cooperation in information and communication technology sector.

Appreciating the success of Bangladesh in the micro-credit sector, the Mexican ambassador expressed keen interest and said Mexico has "a great deal to learn from Bangladesh" in the field.

The Prime Minister recalled her meeting with Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada on the sidelines

of Micro Credit Summit in Shanghai, China, when she extended invitation to the President to see for himself the micro-credit programme in Bangladesh and further enhance bilateral relations.

Morfin conveyed an invitation of his government to Khaleda to visit Mexico.

She termed Bangladesh-Mexico relations "excellent" and hoped the ties would further improve in future.

She assured the envoy of all cooperation in the discharge of his duties and stressed the need for frequent visit to Bangladesh.