The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Sudan and Bangladesh have held consultations to sign an agreement to import manpower from the country, as the Sudanese economy has reached the takeoff point.

The Ambassador of Sudan in Dhaka, Daffalla El-Haj Ali Osman last Thursday discussed the deal with the Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office.

Ambassador Ali Osman handed over a draft of an agreement on 'Political Understanding,' on the issue expected to be signed between the two countries shortly.

Sudan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Al-Samani Al-Wasila early this month in

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a meeting on the sideline of the Islamic Summit in Dakar told Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser that there is a need for Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled manpower in the development of Sudan.

"The Sudanese government and people would welcome the participation of Bangladeshi companies and firms in the consequent economic activities," said Al-Wasila.

"We would be happy to fill this need," Dr Iftekhar told Al-Samani.

The Foreign Adviser told Al-Wasila that there are plans by his government to open diplomatic mission in Khartoum 'in line with Bangladesh's growing relations with that country.'

Sudan is enjoying an oil-fuelled economic boom. The US and European companies are largely shunning Sudan, but countries in Asia and the Middle East like China, Saudi Arabia and Libya have heavily invested.