Bangladesh should explore markets in Malaysia

Bangladesh should explore markets for its jute and jute goods, agro-products, spice, furniture, and dairy products in Malaysia as there is huge demand for such items, a Malaysian minister said.

Malaysian investors are keen to invest in clean energy and energy waste management projects in Bangladesh, said Encik Malcom Mussen, assistant minister for agriculture at Sarawak state.

Mussen was part of a 40-member trade delegation from the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCGCCI) of Malaysia, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said in a statement.

The delegation held a meeting with the leaders of DCCI in the capital yesterday.

KCGCCI Commerce Committee Chairman Christopher Ngui Siew Ling said export diversification would help Bangladesh become competitive in Malaysian market.

DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan said Bangladesh needs huge investment in the energy and infrastructure sector.

He said Bangladesh has a large untapped market of halal products, which can jointly be explored by Bangladeshi and Malaysian entrepreneurs.

Khan also said the current bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia is far below the potential.

He invited Malaysian businessmen to import Bangladesh's best quality jute and jute goods. “There is a huge potential for expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and Bangladesh.”

In order to increase the bilateral trade to the expected level and reduce trade deficit, a free trade agreement between the two countries needs to be inked, Khan said.  

DCCI Directors Imran Ahmed, Akber Hakim, Vice President Hossain A Sikder and Secretary General AHM Rezaul Kabir were also present.

Source: thedailystar