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Professor Iajuddin underscored the need for
enhancing bilateral trade between the two
countries and sought Portuguese support towards
Bangladesh during the European Union decision
making process in its endeavour for economic
stability, better integration into the world
trading system, opening up new trading
possibilities and paving the way for increased
market access.
He mentioned that there is a tremendous scope
for foreign direct investment in Bangladesh and
expressed the hope that Portuguese entrepreneurs
would avail the opportunities investing
particularly in the power generation, ceramics
and textile sectors and relocating their sunset
industries here.
The president also emphasized frequent holding
of single country trade fairs in the two
countries for boosting bilateral trades.
Dr Iajuddin also attached importance to
strengthening educational exchange programme
between Bangladesh and Portugal, under which
students, professionals and experts can
frequently visits both the countries to share
experience and develop knowledge.
The President also briefed the ambassador on the
holding of next general elections by December
this year. He said despite a state of emergency
in the country under constitutional provision,
most of fundamental rights, including the
freedom of the Press and expression remained
intact.
He also apprised the ambassador of Bangladesh's
policy to promote and maintain friendly
relations with all countries and its role in the
UN peacekeeping mission as the second largest
troop contributing country.
The Portuguese Ambassador, based in New Delhi,
praised Bangladesh's role in different
international issues and its effort to
strengthen democracy in the country through
introducing voter identity card with photographs
and holding free, fair neutral general election
by December this year.
Describing Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim
country, Luis Filipe Carrilho acclaimed the
exiting communal harmony here.
He also praised the Bangladeshi people working
in Portugal for their contribution to the
country's economy.
Secretary to the President Md Sirajul Islam,
Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain and Press
Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present.
Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban a smartly
contingent of President's Guard Regiment gave
the Portuguese ambassador a guard of honor.
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