Proton to set up car plant in Bangladesh

Former Malaysian premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Grand Hyatt hotel suite in Kuala Lumpur last evening. Hasina is now on a three-day visit to Malaysia. Photo: PID

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton Holdings Berhad will open its plant in Bangladesh soon, company chairman and former Malaysian premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday.

He was in a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite at Grand Hyatt in the evening. Hasina is now on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury said Mahathir lauded Bangladesh's progress in all sectors under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

The PM highlighted Bangladesh's achievements in various sectors and invited Mahathir to visit Bangladesh.

Earlier, a red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Kuala Lumpur on an official visit to Malaysia.

Haji Ismail Haji Abdul Muttalib, Malaysian deputy minister of human resources; and Bangladesh envoy to Malaysia AKM Atiqur Rahman received the PM at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

She was given a guard of honour by the Malaysian Armed Forces at the airport. Later, a ceremonial motorcade took the PM to Hotel Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur where she will be staying during the visit.

The two countries are expected to sign four deals and MoUs on the employment of workers; cooperation in the field of tourism; partial abolition of visa requirements; and cultural, arts and heritage cooperation.