She was speaking to the outgoing Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Sjef Ijzermans who made a farewell call on her at the Prime Minister's Office.

Ijzermans said the Netherlands, that developed an expertise in water management, is now working in different fields including water, health, education and rural electrification in Bangladesh.

The envoy said after his return to the Netherlands he would make efforts to extend cooperation to Bangladesh for developing a permanent and lasting flood management system. He also showed his government's intention to participate in post-flood rehabilitation programme in Bangladesh.

The prime minister urged the Dutch entrepreneurs to come up with investment and joint ventures in Bangladesh and also to enhance trade relations between the two countries

The Dutch envoy praised the quality of a number of Bangladeshi products including ceramics, leather, garments and processed food.

He also appreciated the successes of Bangladesh in the field of education, especially female education and women empowerment.

Khaleda recalled her visit to the Netherlands with late president Ziaur Rahman in 1979.

During the meeting, they described the relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands as very cordial and expressed the hope that it would further enhance in the years to come.