Turkish President: Turkey-Bangladesh trade could hit 1 billion dollars a year

"It is very pleasing to see that trade ... has grown to almost $600 million in a short period of time," Gul told reporters after a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart.

Gul said that Dhaka and Ankara should support each other and extend cooperation in military and cultural spheres.

Bangladesh enjoys a trade surplus with Turkey, with 2009 exports reaching 523 million US dollars and imports worth 134 million US dollars.

Turkey imports mainly cotton, thread and leather used in textile industry while exports iron-steel, textiles and machinery to Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi President Zillur Rahman sought Turkey's cooperation in the areas of river dredging, energy and IT.

Gul is leading a 180-member delegation, including cabinet members and businessmen, and is scheduled to meet Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and opposition leader Khaleda Zia before his departure Saturday.

/Trend News/