"There should be contact among the people in all fields, including culture, trade, business, media and education, for further strengthening and deepening bilateral ties for the betterment of the two peoples," he told BSS in an exclusive interview.

In this regard, the Tunisian envoy said that Tunisian President Zime El Abidine Ben Ali also stressed the need for strengthening bilateral ties between Tunisia and Bangladesh.

The ambassador also called on Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office on Sunday.

The envoy put stress on bilateral trade to improve the conditions of the two peoples saying, "Being moderate Muslim countries, we share many common things, including culture and civilisation."

The Tunisian ambassador also suggested setting up joint venture industries in special zones in his country by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs saying that his country has a very liberal industrial policy to attract foreign investors.

He said with a view to boosting trade relations, the two countries have decided to set up a joint commission. Bangladesh is preparing the draft of the agreement and it would be finalised soon, he added.

On international arena, the envoy said there are too many challenges for the Muslim World, including peace and stability in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan and Somalia.

"We may be small countries, but we are not small nations," he said.

Dr Dhaouadi, who spent a very busy schedule in the city, met members of the business community.

Apart from placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar to pay tributes to the martyrs of the War of Liberation, the Tunisian ambassador also attended the reception at Bangabhaban hosted by President Iajuddin Ahmed, marking the Independence Day.