Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said there are many areas where Bangladesh and Denmark could further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

‘There're many areas through which the two countries could further strengthen cooperation. We could share Danish experience in Bangladesh's shipbuilding sector,’ she said.

The prime minister made the remarks when Danish Ambassador to

Bangladesh Hanne Fugl Eskjaer paid a farewell call on her at her Parliament Office in Dhaka in the afternoon.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has given emphasis on women empowerment as she said the desired development of a country is not possible leaving its womenfolk out of the development process. ‘We could not develop the country ignoring the womenfolk who account for half of its population,’ she said.

Listing her government's various steps taken for the development of the womenfolk, the Prime Minister said her government has ensured women’s participation in all spheres of the State.

She mentioned that the country's women are now holding important positions in all sectors like administration, judiciary, education, administration, as well as the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies.

Sheikh Hasina said the success of women is everywhere in Bangladesh and they are now at an equal stage along with their male partners in education, games and sports and creative works.

Pointing out her government success in the health sector development, Sheikh Hasina said community health clinics have been set up across the country to reach healthcare services to people's doorsteps. ‘People are now receiving healthcare services through mobile phones, too,’ she said.

The premier said her government has put emphasis on food processing industries as there is a huge demand for processed food at home and abroad.

The Danish envoy thanked the Bangladesh government for extending support to various Danish-funded projects being implemented in Bangladesh. ‘We need to work as a partner for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development,’ she said.

Fugl Eskjaer highly appreciated Bangladesh impressive success on the socioeconomic front and said bilateral cooperation could further be expanded in establishing food processing industries in Bangladesh.

The envoy also thanked the Bangladesh government for extending support to perform her duty during her stay in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister's Office Secretary Suraiya Begum was present on the occasion.