Singapore premier arrives in Bangladesh on official visit

DHAKA, June 23 Kyodo

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday on a three-day official visit as part of his South Asia tour.

Goh, leading a 30-member delegation, is visiting Dhaka at the invitation of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who greeted him at the airport.

Increasing Singapore trade and investment is likely to top the agenda of discussions between the two leaders.

Bangladesh will also sign an agreement on promotion and protection of investment and a protocol on regular consultation with Singapore.

Foreign Minister Morshed Khan and State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Kamrul Islam will call on Goh on Thursday, according to officials.

Sources said discussions between Khan and Goh are likely to focus on increased manpower exports including IT professionals.

Currently, 45,000 Bangladeshis work in Singapore, mainly in private construction and port-related jobs.

Goh arrived from Pakistan on the second leg of his South Asia tour. He is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka, the final leg of his trip, on Friday.

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