Promotion of investment discussed

During the meeting with Prof Jayakumar, bilateral issues of mutual concerns for both the countries were discussed.

Morshed proposed an arrangement for regular annual consultations between the two ministries of foreign affairs at the ministerial/permanent secretary level.

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Jayakumar agreed such consultations arrangement. It was decided that the modalities would be framed in further consultation between the officials of the two ministries.

Considering the existing quantum of private sector investment in Bangladesh from Singapore and its positive trend, they felt the need to sign an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment.

Both the foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries that reached 1.4 billion Singaporean dollar.

In this context, Morshed Khan requested his Singaporean counterpart to extend more facilities to Bangladesh's exportable products including vegetables.

During the meeting, Morshed sought more facilities for Bangladesh's export items including vegetables to ensure market access in Singapore.

Seeking cooperation in IT sector to help develop human resources, he also referred to the existing visa regime introduced by the Singapore government. He requested Prof. Jayakumar to reduce the time limit of processing visa for genuine visitors from Bangladesh.

Prof. Jayakumar shared Morshed's view and assured him that he would discuss the matter with the relevant department to ease the visa regime, particularly the time limit.

Morshed thanked the Singapore government for its support for a successful bid of the Bangladesh membership in ECOSOC. Both the foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

They also expressed identical views to fight terrorism and emphasised the need for exchanging information in this regard to ensure peace and security in the region.

Earlier, Morshed Khan extended his invitation to Prof. Jayakumar to visit Bangladesh. He accepted the invitation.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Gho Chok Tong, he lauded the success of Singapore in socio-economic development.

He apprised Goh Chok Tong of different policies and programmes of Bangladesh government.

The FM reminded the Singapore PM of the invitation extended to him by Khaleda Zia.

Goh Chok Tong told Morshed Khan that his visit to Bangladesh is very much in his agenda. He is expected to visit Bangladesh next year at a mutually convenient time, he added.

He requested the FM to convey his best regards to Khaleda Zia . The Singapore PM appreciated the "Look East Policy" being pursued by the government of Bangladesh.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common interest.