The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Monday described the visit of Qatari Labour Minister Dr Sultan Bin Hasan Al Dhabit Al Dosari as most successful and hoped it will lead to enhanced cooperation.

The Adviser, also in-charge of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, stated that in his view the Protocol that was signed between the two countries on Sunday would lead to "greater flow" of Bangladeshi workers, both skilled and unskilled, into Qatar.

He informed that at present, about 70,000 Bangladeshi workers are working in Qatar.

In the past year, the number of workers who went there was about 15,000 - nearly double that of 2006 when the figure was about 8,000.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said: "Qatar is a prosperous country, with huge gas resources and an expanding economy. Their need for skilled professionals is increasing."

He added: "In Bangladesh, we have a supply of such skills and we are also taking measures to upgrade them. So, I hope, it will be possible for us to meet Qatar's future needs and the purpose of the protocol was to facilitate that process."

Dr. Sultan Al Dosari said: "We are happy with our Bangladeshi brethren who are helping us in Qatar, and we hope to increase their numbers."

He added: "I have invited Dr. Chowdhury to visit Qatar and (we) discussed other aspects of mutual cooperation between our two brotherly countries."

The Qatari Minister, who led his country's delegation in formal talks with the Bangladesh delegation headed by Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, left here for Colombo today at the end of a three-day visit.

He also met with other members of the Council of Advisers on Sunday over lunch and dinner.

A series of ministers from countries hosting Bangladeshi workers have been recently visiting Dhaka and many are signing agreements.

"This is very much in line with our policy that has led to our success in sending over 600,000 workers abroad and earning over 6.5 billion US dollars. These discussions also enhance the legal protection of our workers," the Foreign Adviser told the media.