Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur on Sunday emphasized enhancing trade and economic relations, acknowledging the potential for growth in bilateral trade, reports UNB.
High Commissioner of Malaysia Md Shuhada Othman called on the Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) and discussed issues of mutual cooperation.
Both countries may consider working on new areas of collaboration as identified by both leaders, such as, seamless manpower movements, reduction of manpower processing cost, data science, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, agriculture, energy and halal economy, they said.
They also recognized the significance of cooperation in fields of SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, manpower, ICT, and disaster management.
Lutfey Siddiqi congratulated Malaysia on its upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship and appreciated Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
The Special Envoy expressed his gratitude and satisfaction over the pledges of the Malaysian government to consider allowing the entry of 18,000 (approximate) Bangladeshi workers who were unable to enter Malaysia by 31 May 2024.
He requested for a possible solution on this issue at the earliest.
Both the dignitaries assured to work together to eliminate the corruption caused by recruitment syndicates involving Bangladeshi and Malaysian nationals and loopholes in the system that allow for the mistreatment of workers, causing harm and losses for both nations.
Lutfey Siddiqi conveyed that Malaysia may consider establishing a dedicated country-specific 'Economic Zone' for its investors, akin to those established for China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India.
This initiative aims to leverage Bangladesh's geo-economic position nestled between China, India, and ASEAN, offering comparative advantages for business growth and regional connectivity.
The Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser assured the Malaysian High Commissioner all possible support in discharging his duties and wished for his success during his tenure in Bangladesh.
They discussed wide-ranging issues on Bangladesh-Malaysia relations which included bilateral, regional and international issues of common interests.
The Special Envoy reiterated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations to Malaysia in cementing their bilateral relations in various areas of cooperation and partnership in the last 53 years.
He recalled with pleasure the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh on 4 October 2024 marking the first visit by a Head of Government to Bangladesh since the interim government took office which has paved the way for a fresh impetus to bilateral collaboration.
Lutfey Siddiqi briefed the Malaysian High Commissioner on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government towards a democratic and just Bangladesh.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munn
