The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Foreign remittance this year, until now US$ 7.4 billion, has already crossed last year's record figures, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told newsmen yesterday.

The inward remittance from Bangladeshi workers abroad until October was US$6.6 billion, which was a record high.

The Adviser also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and

Overseas Employment said employment of workers abroad is also rising as 765,000 have so far been cleared for jobs abroad this year whereas the number for the whole of 2007 was 832,000.

Dr Iftekhar hoped that the record of sending workers abroad will exceed this year, too.

"We are not resting complacent because of these achievements. We are constantly looking for new markets. Libya will now be an important destination. The opening of new Missions in Greece and Sudan in particular will be most helpful," the Adviser said.