Kuwait agreed to finance a 450-MW power plant in Bangladesh's southeastern city Chitttagong and sell fuel oil worth 750 million U.S. dollars to Bangladesh on deferred payment of 180 days.

Kuwait also expressed willingness to make investment in Bangladesh's gas and energy sector, set up a modern hospital and recruit more skilled and semi-skilled manpower from here.

The assurances came during official talks between visiting Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia here on Sunday.

"The talks were fruitful...we've discussed bilateral, regional and international issues," Bangladeshi Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan told reporters at a press briefing.

"The meeting was excellent and fruitful, covering all areas cooperation, including energy and power," Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem told reporters.

Al-Salem remarked that the visit of the Emir to Bangladesh is " memorable and historic as a whole".

Asked about the recruitment of manpower from Bangladesh, the Kuwait FM said Bangladeshi people have been going to Kuwait regularly and Kuwait always welcomes workforce from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khan said the two countries agreed to set up joint commission to explore ways to increase the volume of trade and investment between the two countries.

In 2004-2005, Bangladeshi exports to Kuwait were worth only 7. 87 million U.S. dollars against the country's imports amounting to 517 million U.S. dollars.

The Kuwaiti emir came to Bangladesh Saturday on the first leg of his 4-nation visit that would also take him to Thailand, India and Pakistan. Before his departure for Bangkok this afternoon, the Emir offered to set up a modern hospital here as his gift for Bangladesh.

Source: Xinhua