DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the United Arab Emirate (UAE) to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh, particularly the skilled and semiskilled workers.

The premier, also ruling Awami League president, made the plea when newly appointed UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Saeed Bin Hajar Al Shehi made a courtesy call at her office.

After the parley, Press Secretary to the premier Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh produces qualified engineers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, IT experts and certified accountants which could meet the growing demand of the UAE.

She also sought more investments in infrastructure development, agro-based industries, power, oil, gas and mineral exploration, education and ICT sectors.

Underscoring emphasis on boosting up bilateral trade and business, the premier urged the UAE businessmen to import halal meat and fish from Bangladesh.

Hasina expressed her happiness over the government-to-government cooperation with Dubai Ports World in New Mooring Container Terminal in Chittagong, Inland Container Depot with Railway connectivity in Dhaka and Mongla Port.

Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shaikh Wahid Uz Zaman and PMO Secretary M Abul Kalam Azad were among others present on the occasion.

BDST: 2044 HRS, JAN 21, 2014