Rokia Afzal Rahman, president of WEA, Bangladesh, and Rajni Agarwal, president of the FIWE, inked the deal on behalf of their organisations, while other members of the WEA were present.

Under the MoU, both the organisations have agreed to exchange information on all economic issues with regard to women entrepreneurship development in Bangladesh and India.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rokia Rahman said, "At first, we have to understand the problems that we are facing in both sides in developing economic activities of women entrepreneurship".

The deal will help women entrepreneurs in both the countries identify problems that they are facing in their businesses as well as social areas, she added.

The WEA president urged her counterpart to come forward for setting up joint venture projects in Bangladesh, as the country is enjoying duty-free market access to Canada and Australia and GSP (Generalised System of Preference) facilities in the EU markets.

"If Indian women entrepreneurs invest in Bangladesh, they can get the same facilities that we are enjoying in exporting goods to these markets," Rokia Rahman went on.

Speaking at the function, Rajni Agarwal said: "Our activities should be concentrated not only on developing the entrepreneurship of urban women but also of the rural women who are making quality exportable products."

"We will launch some marketing campaigns nationally and internationally so that women entrepreneurs of the two countries can get exposure in each country as well as in global market," Rajni mentioned.

According to the MoU, both the organisations agreed to exchange information about population and health, including HIV/AIDS, education and literacy, and community development.

The two business bodies also agreed to cooperate in activities of corporate social responsibility and training in order to enhance the quality of living standard.

They have also reached consensus to support activities such as seminars and trade fairs in order to promote women's entrepreneurship and empowerment.