Ramos calls for diversified economic cooperation

"On my return home, I will submit a report within 24 hours to President Arroyo with strong recommendations to explore cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries and education," he told reporters at Zia International Airport prior to his departure for Manila.

As members of the Saarc and the Asean, Dhaka and Manila could also explore the 'gateway relationship' to bolster economic cooperation, Ramos said.

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To strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, the former president suggested people-to-people contact, particularly at the level of leadership and young people.

Ramos, who had meetings with government, opposition and business leaders during his five-day visit, said good governance is a must for development.

If needed, resources and skilled manpower can be imported, but not good governance, he said, adding that it must be developed in the country by its people.

Ramos, who negotiated the peace accord with separatist Moro Liberation Front in 1997, praised Bangladesh's contribution to make it success.

He also lauded the efforts of Bangladesh as a member of the four-nation OIC committee chaired by Malaysia for peace process with another splinter separatist group, called Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Reaz Rahman, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Shahta Zarab, and ambassadors of Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines, were present at the airport to see off Ramos.