Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar.

He invited Qatari businesspeople to invest in Bangladesh and relocate their factories to the country's many economic zones.

"Bangladesh is now ready for business. We want Qatari businessmen to explore opportunities here in Bangladesh," Dr Yunus said, adding that Dhaka would hold an investment summit in early April.

Qatar has extended its full support to the reform agenda of Bangladesh's Interim goverment, the ambassador of the rich Gulf kingdom of Qatar, Seraya Ali Al-Qahtani, said.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani called on Dr Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, where he conveyed the message from his government.

"Qatar is eager to provide all sorts of support to Bangladesh," the Qatari ambassador told the chief adviser.

"This is wonderful," Prof Yunus said, thanking the Qatar Emir for the support and for being a close friend of Bangladesh.

The Qatari ambassador appreciated the invitation, saying he hopes more business people from his country will visit Bangladesh very soon.

Yunus highlighted the reform agenda of his government and the work of the consensus commission to hold dialogue with the political parties.

He said he is expected to visit Qatar next month to attend an international conference in the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.