Desk Report:
At a press conference organized on the occasion of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first state and bilateral visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson and Prime Minister’s Advisor (State Minister rank) Mahdi Amin said that although the visit was short, lasting only 18 hours, it was very fruitful. This is Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit after assuming office as Prime Minister and he has chosen Malaysia as his first destination in continuation of the historical relations.
Mahdi Amin said that during the visit, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a private, limited and representative-level meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister. In addition, he also met with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Malaysia. The meetings covered political cooperation, trade and investment, labor market, halal industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor industry, education, tourism, energy, defense and security, regional cooperation and international issues.
He said that a joint statement containing 33 points has been issued to enhance cooperation in 9 important sectors to further deepen and multifaceted the relationship between the two countries. In addition, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on culture has been signed and two exchanges of notes on investment promotion and counter-terrorism have been exchanged.
At the press conference, the spokesperson said that the heads of government of the two countries have agreed to move forward with the negotiations to sign a free trade agreement (FTA). In addition to strengthening cooperation in industry, business, technology, skill development and employment generation, both leaders agreed to expand halal product production, certification, research and training activities in Bangladesh by utilizing Malaysia’s experience in the halal industry.
In addition to increasing cooperation in the digital economy, cybersecurity, AI and modern technology sectors, emphasis was also placed on increasing Malaysian investment in technology parks and economic zones in Bangladesh. In the field of education, the two countries agreed to expand partnerships between universities, joint research and technical and skill-based education.
Regarding the labor market, Mahdi Amin said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister and His Majesty the King, called for the rapid reopening of the Malaysian labor market for Bangladesh. At the same time, he emphasized reducing immigration costs, ensuring a transparent recruitment process and protecting the safe working environment and rights of Bangladeshi workers. The contribution of Bangladeshi workers residing in Malaysia was also appreciated in the meeting.
He further said that there was a positive discussion on Malaysian investment in LNG, oil and gas exploration and renewable energy in the energy sector. In addition, views were exchanged on Malaysia’s cooperation with Bangladesh at the international level for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas and support for ASEAN and RCEP-related issues.
During the visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met separately with representatives of five top Malaysian business organizations—Petronas, Axiata, AirAsia, Purdue, and MMC Ports. The Prime Minister also exchanged views with expatriate Bangladeshis in Kuala Lumpur and highlighted the country’s development and future plans.
Mahdi Amin said that this visit is not just a state visit; it is an important milestone in taking the historical friendship between Bangladesh and Malaysia to new heights. The decisions and agreements taken during the visit will further strengthen the relations between the two countries in trade, investment, technology, education, labor market, and people-to-people exchanges in the coming days. He expressed hope that this first foreign visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be a memorable chapter in the history of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations.
