The Filipino FM gave the assurance when she called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office yesterday.

The ARF, established in 1994, draws together 23 countries that have a bearing on the security of the Asia-Pacific region.

During the meeting, Bangladesh and the Philippines stressed the need for strengthening trade and cultural relations and exchange of experiences in development sectors between the two Asian countries.

Pointing out that there are many similar development programmes for women in the two countries, Delia said both the countries could "benefit from their respective experiences and mutual cooperation".

She said the two countries can also share their experiences in matters of sending workers abroad.

Referring to Bangladesh government's programme for nurses' training, the Filipino foreign minister offered modern training facilities available in her country.

She also hinted at collaboration in education, hospital management and other programmes for empowerment of women.

Delia appreciated the role of private universities in Bangladesh and said the Philippines would send an education team "soon" to look into the development programmes in this Saarc country.

Khaleda told the Filipino FM that Bangladeshi products like tea, jute, jute bags, leather, leather goods, pharmaceuticals have great demand in American and European markets.

The prime minister hoped that the Philippines would also import some items from Bangladesh to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries.

Filipino Under-secretary for Special Concerns Rafael E Segis, Ambassador Joseph Lino B Guerrero, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chow-dhury and Ambassador to Manila M Muniruzzaman were present.