"Bangladesh can use its seaports to boost trade with Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and the rest of the world," Ramos, who was president from 1992 to 1999, told a luncheon programme with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in Dhaka.

The former president also stressed the need for joint partnership between Bangladesh and Philippines to achieve economic goals, including poverty alleviation.

Ramos also lauded the parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

Replying to a question he said Bangladesh has a great potential to earn much by exporting medicines.

Presided over by FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, the meeting was attended, among other, by FBCCI First Vice-president Mohammad Ali, Vice-president Dewan Sultan Ahmed, Director Abdul Wahed, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association Chairman MA Awal and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association President M Fazlul Hoque.

Mir Nasir Hossain said a joint co-operation agreement between the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and FBCCI was signed in 1989. But the two chambers now need to re-activate the activities, he added.

"The business community of Bangladesh is eager to increase co-operation in trade and investment with its counterpart in Philippines," said Nasir.

Now, the trade volume between Bangladesh and Philippines is nearly $24 million that is in favour of Philippines as Bangladesh exported items worth $6.05 million and imported goods worth $ 17.20million in 2004-05 fiscal year.