Efforts on to improve trade: Malaysian envoy

Malaysia wants to further improve bilateral relations with Bangladesh, through trade and tourism, as the Southeast Asian country strives to achieve high-income status and Bangladesh moves towards middle-income status.

“I must allude to the fact that there are many similarities we share in terms of food, weather and to a certain extent, culture,” said Malaysia’s Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Amir Farid bin Abu Hasan.

“We want to take forward the relations further,” he said at a discussion with journalists organised by the Malaysian High Commission at its premises in the city yesterday, marking the 62nd independence day of the country today (August 31).

Malaysia’s total trade with Bangladesh was recorded at USD 2.37 billion last year, a rise by 35.6 percent compared to that of the previous year. Bangladesh’s export to Malaysia, however, was only USD 260 million.

“There are a lot of activities going on to improve trade. In July this year, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce organised an event in Malaysia titled, ‘Showcase Bangladesh’. We will continue to find ways. Many Malaysian businesses are coming to Bangladesh,” Amir Farid said.

According to Bangladesh Bank, Malaysia’s foreign direct investment in 2018 was USD 92.74 million.

The Malaysian diplomat said Bangladesh was Malaysia’s 22nd largest trading partner in 2018. Major exports to Bangladesh include chemical products, metal, crude petroleum, palm oil, agriculture, electrical and electronic products.

There are many more opportunities of exports to Bangladesh, including consumer goods, construction services, Islamic banking, oil, gas and healthcare, according to the envoy.

Malaysia is also a major destination for Bangladeshi tourists. More than 150,000 Bangladeshis traveled to Malaysia last year. Also, Malaysia is becoming a hub of medical tourism, especially due to its quality care and affordable cost, Amir Farid said.

He said diplomatic engagement between Malaysia and Bangladesh is becoming stronger, with high-level visits between the two nations.

In 2017, Malaysia was one of the few countries that immediately responded to Bangladesh’s call for international assistance during the early weeks of the Rohingya crisis. Malaysian government set up a field hospital near Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar for Rohingyas as well as locals, he added.

“Malaysia would like to continue to work closely and engage Bangladesh government in various areas of cooperation,” Amir Farid said.

He said Malaysia, as a member of ASEAN, is working with Bangladesh and Myanmar on the Rohingya crisis.

Malaysia suspended labour recruitment from Bangladesh in September last year following allegations of monopoly by a recruitment syndicate. 

Asked when Malaysia is going to open the labour market, Amir Farid said, “Discussions are still ongoing. We are working together to find a better deal for both the countries.”

Malaysian High Commission’s First Secretary (Immigration and Consular) Mohamad Yahya bin Rahamat and Tourism Malaysia Dhaka’s Marketing Manager Mohammed Shoeb also spoke at the event.