President M Abdul Hamid today stressed the need for exploring potentials in trade and investment in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by taking joint-venture initiatives.

"There are good potentials for exports of ceramics, vegetables, plastic products, pharmaceutical products, electronics, footwear, iron and steel etc. from Bangladesh . . . both the countries may look into the possibility of widening the spectrum of tradable goods," Abdul Hamid said during a call on with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at Credential Hall of Bangabhaban here today.

Welcoming his Sri Lankan counterpart and his entourages in Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have longstanding and historical relations.

He expressed the hope that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka would continue their traditionally close cooperation for strengthening the socio-economic development and emancipation of the people of the South Asia region.

President Abdul Hamid mentioned that the two countries as members of various regional and international organizations, including UN, Commonwealth, SAARC, BIMSTEC and LORA, share a commonality of views on many issues of mutual concern in all these forums.

The President hoped that Sri Lanka would take the opportunity and increase its investment in readymade garments (RMG), textile, banking and service sectors in Bangladesh.

He said the two countries may explore other avenues of bilateral cooperation including ICT, tourism, fisheries and agriculture, health, environment, natural disaster management and climate change issues.

Terming the visit of his Sri Lankan counterpart to Bangladesh as a milestone, President Abdul Hamid said, "It will definitely explore the multilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka."

President Abdul Hamid hoped that Sri Lanka would accelerate its overall development through ensuring its current reconciliation.

During the meeting, Sri Lankan President said Sri Lanka always considers Bangladesh as a tested friend, hoping that the development and progress of Bangladesh would accelerate in days ahead.

Earlier, President Hamid welcomed Sirisena with bouquet on his arrival at Bangabhaban at 7 pm.

Foreign Minister AH Mahood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban and Foreign Ministry were, among others, present.

Later, President Abdul Hamid hosted a cultural function followed by a dinner at Darbar Hall in honour of the visiting Sri Lankan President.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice S K Sinha, Opposition Leader Raushon Ershad, among others, attended the dinner.