Bangladesh has become a destination for Sri Lankans seeking employment in the garment sector and the numbers are increasing, Bangladesh High Commissioner Shadat Hossain said.

Sri Lankan companies, have also successfully invested in Bangladesh, in diverse fields including garments, banking, hotels and other service sectors, he said. "These investments enjoy the benefit of services and privileges extended by the Board of Investment and Export Processing Zone authorities."

Expressing happiness at Colombo being the venue for the 15th SAARC summit, Hossain said that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are working closely within the framework of SAARC and BIMSTEC."We have similar views on various international issues, which have provided solid ground for mutual cooperation in the international fora."

Understanding and cordiality have marked our excellent bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1976.It continues to grow in depth and dimension through people to people interactions and increased political and economic links, he noted.

Hossain, said that Bangladesh was acclaimed the world over for its steady economic growth, human resource development and natural disaster management."We have made tremendous progress in mainstreaming women into the development process and poverty reduction. Bangladeshi women have played an important role in the success of micro credit, ready made garment exports, increasing child nutrition, population control and in the spread of primary education.

It has also achieved gender parity in primary education and nearly removed the gender gap in secondary education. The contribution of Bangladesh for world peace, progress and development is aptly showcased in the recognition of her success in the field of micro credit and Professor Muhammad Yunus winning the 2006 Nobel prize." He said.