PM seeks more investment from Malaysia

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought increased investment from Malaysia for the mutual benefits of the two friendly countries.

The prime minister made the request when visiting Malaysian International Trade and Industries Affairs Minister Mustapa Mohammed met her at her official residence Ganabhaban.

After the meeting, PM's press secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhuri briefed reporters.

He said Sheikh Hasina and the Malaysian minister at their meeting discussed various issues relating to mutual interest, including trade, business and investment.

Currently, the investment volume of Malaysia in Bangladesh is about US$ 3 billion.

The prime minister said her government has created an investment-friendly congenial atmosphere in the country which may help cut the trade gap between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

"The people of Bangladesh will be benefited more if the trade gap between Bangladesh and Malaysia is reduced," she told the Malaysian minister.

Hasina also said her government wants to facilitate the private sector of the country so that the relations between the entrepreneurs of the two counties get strengthened further.

Malaysian Minister Mustapa highly appreciated Bangladeshis working in Malaysia saying they are very much hard working, sincere and law abiding ones.

Mustapa said there is a scope for further boosting the relations in the fields of trade, business and industries between the two counties.

About the existing huge trade gap, he said the trade gap will reduce to a great extent if the proposed business forum between the two countries comes into operation.

PM's Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan

Sikder, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Norlin Othman and

Deputy CEO of Matrade Dzulkifli Mahmud were, among others, present during the meeting.