Bangladesh and Malaysia are set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) soon as part of an evolving economic partnership between the two countries.
High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman said this in his speech while speaking as the guest of honour at a seminar” titled towards a stronger Bangladesh –Malaysia partnership “ at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in the city on Saturday, a press release said.
The high commission of Malaysia and Bangladesh –Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry jointly organized the reception at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in the city on Saturday .
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, MP was present as the chief guest.
Mohd Shuhada Othman said “Looking ahead, our economic partnership must evolve. We are moving towards exciting development for strategic frameworks such as the Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Praising commitment of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain MP towards improvement in the health sector, the high commissioner said that he has discussed mutual collaboration between Bangladesh and Malaysia to render better health services in this country.
The High commissioner also said “For decades, Malaysia and Bangladesh have shared a unique and warm relationship rooted not only in formal diplomatic ties established back in 1972, but deeply anchored in people-to-people connections, cultural affinities, education, and shared economic aspirations.”
Mohd Shuhada Othman also said “This relationship has recently received a historic and powerful force. The recent successful official visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman to Malaysia, has injected a vibrant, renewed momentum into our bilateral relations. “
Malaysia was honoured to be the first country visited by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as his first foreign official visit. This carries special significance. It reflects the trust between our countries and the importance that both sides attach to the longstanding friendship.
He also said “That visit was much more than a diplomatic milestone, it reaffirmed the shared political and economic will of both our leaders Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to elevate Malaysia-Bangladesh relations to unprecedented heights, towards a broader and more comprehensive partnership, delivering benefits to the peoples of both nations.”
He also said : When political leadership creates such powerful momentum, the private sector must respond with decisive action. This is precisely where the BMCCI’s role is indispensable. “
He also said” Bangladesh, with its large and young population, expanding consumer market and growing industrial base, presents significant opportunities for Malaysian businesses. Likewise, Malaysia can provide Bangladeshi companies with a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia and the wider ASEAN market.”
The high commissioner also said “As a vital bridge between our business communities, BMCCI is uniquely positioned to translate high-level diplomatic outcomes into real, ground-level commercial opportunities and meaningful partnerships. The High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka stands fully committed to working hand-in-hand with BMCCI. For instance, recently, we organized a virtual seminar on Investments between Malaysia and Bangladesh. And two weeks ago, a Seminar on Global Halal Economy was held in Dhaka with participation of a huge number of industry players. “
He also said “With the strong political momentum, we enjoy today, an active private sector, and committed partners such as BMCCI, I am confident that the best years of the Malaysia-Bangladesh partnership are still ahead of us.”
The high commissioner congratulated the newly elected Board of Directors under the leadership of Md. Anwar Shahid. “As they assume the responsibility of steering this prestigious chamber, I wish every success in further strengthening the long-standing economic partnership between Malaysia and Bangladesh. “ he said
Since its inception, BMCCI has established itself as one of the most vibrant, dynamic and active bilateral chambers in Dhaka. It has consistently brought together governments, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs from both countries.
The high commissioner said “I must say, since my arrival in Dhaka in November 2024, the Presidents of BMCCI, be it the current President (Anwar), the immediate past President (Shabbir A. Khan), or their distinguished predecessors, have never really allowed me to take a proper rest or even catch my breath! They have certainly kept my schedule fully occupied with one meaningful programme after another. But I say this, of course, with great appreciation, as these engagements have made my time in Bangladesh truly enriching and memorable.”
He also said” The discussions held at the highest level affirmed our mutual commitment to deepen cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors: including trade, investment, labour cooperation, education, healthcare, tourism, semiconductor, Halal industry, manufacturing, the digital economy, agriculture, energy, defence, human resource development and whatnot. “
He also said” In closing, let me reiterate that the High Commission of Malaysia remains cooperative in its dedication to supporting BMCCI’s dynamic initiatives. I am confident that under the energetic leadership of Anwar Shahid and his new board, BMCCI will continue to scale new heights.”
Md. Fazlul Hoque, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said that Bangladesh can work in collaboration with Malaysia to develop the ‘Halal’ industry of Malaysia that has reached an enviable stage.
He termed Malaysia as one of the most attractive tourist destinations to Bangladeshis in the world as the cost of cuisine and hotel expenses are within the reach of the middle-class consumers.
He also termed the BMCCI as one of the most vibrant chambers in the country over the last 25 years that have immense contributions to the country’s economic and social developments.
Md. Anwar Shahid, President of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and members of the newly elected Board of Directors, also spoke on the occasion.
