Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Monday stressed the need for making the best use of the friendly and historic relations between Bangladesh and Brunei for welfare of both the nations by enhancing bilateral trade, reports BSS.(Bangladesh Observer)

She also urged the authorities of Brunei Darussalam to take more manpower from Bangladesh and make investments in Dhaka availing of the prevailing opportunities, when the newly appointed High Commissioner of Brunei, Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Hamid, called on her at the Prime Minister's Office.

Besides trade and investment, the establishment of direct air link between Bangladesh and Brunei was discussed with importance during the meeting.

The Prime Minister said direct air link would not only enhance people to people contact but also the movement of commodities between the two countries.

She suggested that Brunei can import quality medicines, halal foods, ceramics, cosmetics, leather and jute goods from Bangladesh. Many of these items are being exported to the US and the European countries, she said.

Begum Zia said entrepreneurs from Brunei can invest in garment and other sectors of their interest availing of the cost-effective investment environment and import goods for European and other markets.

The envoy suggested exchange of business delegations between the two countries to enhance bilateral trade and investment and said he would take initiatives personally in this regard.

As the envoy appreciated the performance of more than ten thousand Bangladeshis working in Brunei, the Prime Minister said Brunei can take more professionals, including doctors, teachers and engineers from Bangladesh.

Welcome the new high commissioner, the Prime Minister said her government would extend all cooperation to him in discharging his professional duties here.

The envoy said he would try his best to take the existing friendly relations between the two countries to a new height during his tenure here.

Begum Zia requested the envoy to convey her best wishes to Sultan Hassal Al Balkiah.