When the Indian business delegation urged her to set up special economic zones (SEZs) exclusively for Indian investment, she said the government had already planned to build such zones where, like others, Indian businessmen too can invest.

On SEZs for Indian investment, she said: 'If the Indian businessmen come forward to set up such zones in Bangladesh, the present government will extend all necessary cooperation.'

Singling out poverty as the main enemy of the South Asian nations, Hasina said Bangladesh and all its neighbouring countries, including India, should work together to expand trade and business for balanced development of the region through eradicating poverty.

'We have resources. Our people are also very much capable and industrious. If we can work unitedly, poverty will be eliminated as well as development of all the nations will be achieved,' she said.

Commerce Minister Faruk Khan identified lack of testing facilities in Bangladesh as one of the big obstacles to trade and business with India.

'Indian authorities do not accept the testing certificates provided by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). But I can assure you that in the next six months, BSTI will be upgraded to such standards which will be accepted by the Indian authorities,' he said.

'But, at the same time, we have to have the assurance of exporting more products to India,' he added.